How Much Does Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?

Updated 2026-08-15 · Typical US ranges · Prices vary by region and clinic

A professional cat dental cleaning typically costs $300 to $700, with a national average around $375. Most cats land in the $300–$600 range for a cleaning under anesthesia, though prices can run higher in expensive cities or when extractions are needed.

Typical low$300
Typical high$700

What’s included in the range?

Covers anesthesia, oral exam, scaling and polishing, and usually dental X-rays; severe dental disease, extractions, and specialist care push costs well above $700.

What affects the price

  • Severity of dental disease — minimal tartar is cheap; periodontitis and loose teeth needing extraction are not
  • Your cat's overall health — kidney or heart conditions require extra anesthetic monitoring and support
  • Geographic location and clinic type — overhead (rent, salaries) varies widely by region
  • Whether dental X-rays, pre-anesthetic blood work, and medications are included or billed separately

Questions to ask your vet

  • Is the cleaning always done under anesthesia, and is monitoring and an IV catheter included in the price?
  • What exactly does the quote include — X-rays, blood work, polishing — and what would cost extra?
  • If my cat needs teeth pulled once they're under, how much will that add and will you call me first?
  • How often should my cat have a professional dental cleaning?

Frequently asked questions

Does my cat really need anesthesia for a teeth cleaning?

Yes — it's the only safe way to fully examine and clean above and below the gumline, and it keeps the cat still and pain-free during the procedure.

Why is my cat's dental cleaning quote so much higher than the average?

The bill adds up before cleaning even starts: lab work to choose a safe anesthetic protocol, injectable meds, an IV catheter, a breathing tube, and anesthesia monitoring — plus X-rays and any extractions on top.

Does pet insurance pay for cat teeth cleanings?

Routine cleanings are usually excluded from standard accident-and-illness plans, but wellness add-ons (like Chewy's CarePlus wellness plan) often cover them. Check your policy's dental terms before scheduling.

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Sources

  1. PetMD
    The average cost of cleaning a cat’s teeth in 2023 ranged from $113–$600 in the United States.
  2. CareCredit
    For cats, the average cost* for teeth cleaning is $375 and ranges from $300 to $682.
  3. GoodRx
    The cost of cat teeth cleaning ranges from $100 to over $2,000.

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