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