Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost: What Owners Need to Know

Protecting your cat's oral health is important. As a cat owner, you should prioritize keeping your cat’s teeth and gums clean and healthy! Read on to learn about cat teeth cleanings and why they’re important.

How Much Does Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost?

The average cost of cat teeth cleaning is $190, but it also depends on your provider.³ However, it’s only recommended to get your cat’s teeth cleaned every year, so this won’t be a regular expense.

While it may seem pricey, not cleaning your cat’s teeth can cost more in the long run. Treatment for cavities, diseases, or periodontitis can be expensive. And that’s not considering other health problems that can stem from unhealthy teeth.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Teeth Cleanings?

Typically, pet insurance doesn't cover cat teeth cleaning costs, but you should still take your cat to a veterinary dentist for the occasional cleaning. Neglecting to clean your cat’s teeth may lead to a number of costly health problems.

It’s better to pay for routine teeth cleanings than an expensive tooth removal surgery — especially because no one wants to see their cat in pain.

Why Your Cat’s Dental Health Matters

Like humans, cats’ teeth and gums can get cavities, infections, or any number of health issues. If you neglect to address your cat’s dental care, plaque and bacteria in teeth can make their way into the bloodstream and cause heart problems.

Gingivitis and periodontal disease are two common dental conditions in cats. These gum diseases are painful and, in extreme cases, can cause tooth loss. X-rays, teeth extractions, and other dental procedures make them costly to diagnose and treat. However, with a MetLife Pet Insurance plan, gingivitis and periodontitis treatments are covered.^1,2

Supplementary Types of Cat Dental Cleaning

While you should be taking your cat to the dentist for an annual cleaning, you should also be caring for their teeth regularly at home. There are a few steps you can take to maintain your pet’s dental health.

Brush your cat's teeth at home

That’s right! Brush your cat’s teeth. Just like you brush your own teeth two or three times a day, you should be brushing your cat’s teeth two or three times a week. Pet stores sell toothbrushes and toothpaste designed specifically for cats.

While brushing your cat’s teeth may be intimidating, it’s not that bad. Ideally, start brushing your cat’s teeth when they’re a kitten. This way, they’ll become accustomed to the routine. If you have to start when they’re an adult, just be patient with them.

Apply gel to your cat’s teeth

If your cat absolutely hates getting its teeth brushed or doing so just isn’t realistic for you, there’s an alternative. You can apply a dental gel to their teeth. While you’re still sticking your hand in your cat’s mouth, it’s easier and faster than brushing their teeth.

Give your cat dental treats

While dental chews aren’t an alternative to brushing your cat’s teeth, they can support oral health. Dental treats are formulated with ingredients that help with teeth and gum hygiene. They also scrape the plaque and tartar buildup off the teeth as your cat chews on them.

How Pet Health Insurance Can Help

Keeping your cat’s teeth clean and safe from tooth decay should be a priority. The cost of cat teeth cleaning is definitely worth it. However, no matter how careful you are, cats can develop many oral health conditions. MetLife’s cat insurance plan may help you pay for diagnosis and treatments when it comes to dental care.² Get a quote for cat insurance today!