Cat dental cleaning is essential for maintaining your cat’s dental health and overall wellness. Regular dental cleaning for cats can help reduce the risks of painful dental issues, tooth loss, and systemic problems from severe gum infections. This Sploot Vets guide talks about cat dental cleaning, how much it costs, and why it’s important for your feline companion.
What is Cat Dental Cleaning?
Cat dental cleaning is a professional veterinary procedure that removes plaque and tartar that have built up over time. This procedure also involves cleaning below the cat’s gumline, which isn’t accessible with just at-home toothbrushing. Cat dental cleaning is typically performed while the cat is under anesthesia for safety, comfort, and effectiveness.
Unlike at-home brushing, cat dental cleaning allows veterinarians to clean each tooth’s surfaces thoroughly. This is typically done alongside a thorough dental exam to catch any early signs of cat dental problems.
Is Cat Dental Cleaning Really Necessary?
Yes, for most cats, cat dental cleaning is necessary and beneficial. Consistent cat dental cleaning offers the following health benefits:
- Less plaque and tartar buildup – this lowers the chances of tooth decay, gum infections, and other dental concerns in cats.
- Early detection of dental problems in cats – once the teeth are clean, veterinarians can more accurately identify issues such as cavities, gum infections, and other abnormalities. Cats can hide dental pain, which highlights the importance of dental cleaning and dental exams.
- Lower risk of tooth loss – routine cleanings help prevent a cat’s teeth from decaying to the point of falling out or requiring extraction.
- Reduced likelihood of feline periodontal disease – consistent dental care allows for early intervention for periodontal disease, a gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and contribute to broader health problems such as heart or liver disease.
Note: By 2 years of age, 70 percent of cats typically have some form of periodontal disease.
Cat Dental Cleaning Cost
Cat dental cleaning costs usually range from about $950 to $1,500 or more, depending on where you live. The final cost can vary based on how extensive the cleaning needs to be, as well as any additional procedures or exam fees your veterinarian recommends.
Cat Dental Cleaning Cost in Colorado
Professional cat dental cleanings in Colorado often start at around $900, though the final cost can shift based on your cat’s specific dental needs. Pet parents can lower these costs through SplootPack™, a pet care membership that includes special discounts on cat dental cleanings and a variety of other services at Sploot Vets clinics.
Cat Dental Cleaning Cost in Illinois
Cat dental cleanings in Illinois typically start at around $940, with final pricing determined by the scope of care and any additional dental treatments required. SplootPack™ can help reduce overall expenses, offering pet parents exclusive savings on cat dental cleanings and other veterinary services at Sploot Vets clinics.
What Happens During a Cat Dental Cleaning?
a. Initial Vet Visit: Physical Exam & Bloodwork
Cat dental cleaning involves the use of anesthesia for their safety, to reduce stress, and to allow the vet to clean their teeth thoroughly.
Before anesthesia can be administered, an initial physical exam and blood panel are done to ensure that the cat can undergo the procedure with minimal risks. During this initial vet visit, the veterinarian will also discuss the procedure and provide an estimate for the total cat dental cleaning cost.
b. Second Vet Visit: Cat Dental Cleaning & Other Procedures
During your cat’s second vet visit, the veterinarian will do a quick physical exam before administering a safe dose of anesthesia and proceeding with dental cleaning.
At Sploot, dental cleaning for cats involves the following:
- Using manual and ultrasonic scalers, our veterinary nurses remove plaque, tartar, and calculus from the surface and in between your cat’s teeth.
- Once the cleaning is complete, the cat’s teeth are polished with prophylaxis (prophy) paste, a mildly abrasive material that helps leave the teeth smooth, bright, and shiny.
Note: After a cat’s dental cleaning, the veterinary team performs a dental exam. Using periodontal probes and dental X-rays, they evaluate each tooth and the supporting structures, allowing them to spot issues that aren’t visible on the surface. Veterinarians can also carry out any additional dental procedures that your cat needs.
c. Third Visit: Post-Procedure Check-Up [As Needed]
If your cat’s dental cleaning was paired with additional procedures, such as extractions or other dental surgeries, the vet may recommend a follow-up visit about 14 days later. This appointment allows the vet to ensure your cat is recovering well.
When Should Dental Cleaning for Cats Start?
Generally, we recommend beginning regular dental cleanings for cats once they reach 1 year of age. Starting early helps prevent plaque buildup and allows veterinarians to catch dental issues before they progress.
How Often Should Cat Dental Cleaning Be Done?
For most cats, an annual dental exam is recommended. During this visit, the veterinarian can assess oral health and decide whether a professional cat dental cleaning is necessary.
As for senior cats, we recommend bringing them to the veterinarian twice a year for a dental exam (and dental cleaning, as per the vet’s recommendations), since older cats have a higher risk of developing dental problems.
How Do I Prepare My Cat for a Dental Cleaning?
Follow your veterinarian’s pre-procedure guidelines carefully, including when your cat should begin fasting and whether any medications need to be paused. Your vet will let you know which medications to hold temporarily; these may include blood thinners, NSAIDs, certain anti-anxiety drugs, fish oil supplements, and similar medications.
Note: If you’re ever unsure about any pre-procedure guidelines, reach out to your veterinarian as recommendations can vary based on your cat’s needs.
Final Thoughts on Cat Dental Cleaning
Routine cat dental cleanings play a key role in preventing dental pain, infections, and chronic dental issues. With consistent veterinary care and good dental care practices at home, you can help protect your cat’s teeth and support their overall health and wellness.
For more information on cat dental care, check out our guides:
- How to Brush or Clean a Cat's Teeth at Home
- 6 Common Cat Dental Problems: Symptoms & More
- Dog & Cat Dental Care: Tips for Great Oral Health
Sploot: All-in-One Vet & Dental Care for Cats
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one veterinary services, including comprehensive dental care for cats. Whether your cat needs a dental exam, cat dental cleaning, or other dental procedures, we’re always here to help! With our experienced team, Fear Free veterinary approach, and unparalleled daily availability, you can always count on us for top-tier vet care that helps keep your cat at their healthiest and happiest.
Easily book your appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
