Even though you might not think about it that often, our cats’ teeth have a few similarities to ours. They might not get the same cavities as humans do, but if you do not keep your cat’s teeth clean, then they could have some serious dental issues.
Taking your cat in for a routine cleaning reduces the likelihood of dental disease and can help remove all the hard-to-reach places that you might not be able to clean at home. We know that the idea of taking your cat in for a professional teeth cleaning can seem expensive and like a waste of time, but we’re here to tell you just how much these services cost and why they might be necessary.
The Importance of Dental Health for Felines
The Importance of Dental Health for FelinesBrushing your cat’s teeth or having them professionally cleaned is something that we as pet owners often overlook. Still, it’s a vital part of a cat’s overall health. Cats can’t pick up a toothbrush and do the work themselves. They rely on their owners to clean their teeth and help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Take a look at your cat’s teeth every few weeks. If you notice any plaque buildup, then getting their teeth cleaned becomes even more vital. Plaque on their teeth eventually turns into tartar, which is hard and yellow and difficult to remove. If the tartar sits on their gum line, this is when more serious problems start to arise.
Dental disease can happen to cats of all ages, yet almost 85% of cats that are over the age of 3 have some sort of dental disease. Not only are these numbers outrageous, but it goes to show that humans are not taking the problem as seriously as they should. Over time, the lack of hygiene could cause tooth loss and jawline decay, as well as issues with their heart and lungs.
How Much Does a Professional Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Coming up with a concrete price for professional cat dental cleanings isn’t easy. There are quite a few components that affect the price. Without factoring these in, most people can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for a dental cleaning.
Location
Where you live is one of the most significant determining factors of dental cleaning costs. You’re likely going to see a big jump in price if you go to a veterinarian in an urban area compared to a rural one. Urban veterinarians could charge upwards of a few hundred dollars, while you might only have to pay a couple of hundred dollars or less at a rural location. However, even these prices aren’t guaranteed because each office sets its own prices.
Age
The older a cat gets, the more tartar and plaque they are likely to have. If your cat has excessive buildup, you can expect to pay more money for their services.
Size
Believe it or not, even the size of your cat can change the final price. A kitten’s teeth are likely going to take less time to clean than a full-grown adult’s.
Temperament
Not every cat is willing to remain calm. Some cats start to panic the second you put them in the car. If your veterinarian has to use heavy sedation, that is another cost you’ll have to factor in.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Keep in mind that you may be charged for services other than dental cleaning. If your cat’s teeth are in fairly good shape, you can probably get away with only paying the cleaning fee. However, this isn’t always the way things happen, and you might have to pay more if the damage is worse than expected.
Anesthesia and Sedatives
If your cat needs a lot of work done on their teeth, the vet is more than likely going to require anesthesia or sedatives to keep them calm or put them to sleep. This can cost anywhere from $25 to $200.
X-rays
Some vets will order an X-ray if they notice any cracks or breaks in the teeth. X-rays are not cheap. Most cost between $100 and $250.
Special Treatments
Poor dental health in cats could lead to bacterial infections or abscesses that require antibiotics to heal. Expect to pay $25 to $100 for the medication.
How Often Should I Clean My Cats Teeth?
We get that trying to hold your cat and brush their teeth is not something that you’re likely looking forward to. Even though it can be a hassle, you should try to brush your cat’s teeth with a toothbrush at least three times per week. If that number seems impossible for you, then shoot for at least once a week. Perfection isn’t required, but consistency is key for good feline dental health.
Professional cleanings don’t need to happen nearly as often. It would be best if you could schedule a professional dental cleaning for your feline friend at least once a year. Your vet has access to special tools that scrape off the tougher plaque and tartar that a toothbrush isn’t always capable of removing.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Feline Teeth Cleanings?
Whether or not your pet insurance covers feline teeth cleanings is dependent on the company and your policy. There has been an increase in vet care awareness that has encouraged many insurance companies to include dental cleanings in their plans. Ultimately, it just depends on the provider.
What to Do for Your Cat’s Teeth Between Professional Cleanings
Cats can squirm, run, and hide if they’re suspicious of your intentions. Even though some cats don’t mind having their teeth brushed, many of them hate it. Regardless, it is up to you to stay on top of your cat’s dental hygiene.
While toothbrushes are your best chance at scrubbing away plaque, some cats refuse to tolerate it. There are other ways to clean their teeth if they’re acting fussy about it. If they allow you, try brushing their teeth with your fingers instead of a brush while focusing on their teeth, gums, and tongue. If that doesn’t work, offer them some dental chews or a dry kibble diet to help remove some of the plaque. There are even dental gel solutions you can mix into their food to help clean the teeth until their next scheduled vet visit.
Conclusion
Cats are not the biggest fans of dental cleaning. Even if they hate it, it is for their own good and will only benefit them and their overall health. Plus, staying on top of it means you’ll likely save money in the long run by avoiding costly dental surgeries. Try your best to clean your cat’s teeth on a regular basis by whatever means possible. The short period of discomfort is going to pay off in the end and keep your cat healthier and happier in the long run.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Pixabay
