Home › Guides › How Much Does Cat Dental Cleaning Cost?
Updated August 2026A professional cat dental cleaning typically costs $200–$600 for a routine cleaning under anesthesia — rising to $800–$1,700 or more when extractions are needed, which is common in cats. Here's what drives the price and how pet insurance covers it.
Why cat dentals often cost more than you'd expect
Like dogs, cats need dental cleanings done under general anesthesia, with dental X-rays and monitoring. But cats are especially prone to two painful problems — tooth resorption and stomatitis — that frequently require extractions. That's why a cat dental that starts as a routine cleaning often ends up including extractions, pushing the cost higher.
Typical cost breakdown
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Routine cleaning (scale & polish, anesthesia) | $200–$600 |
| Dental X-rays | $100–$300 |
| Cleaning + extractions | $800–$1,700 |
| Full-mouth extractions (stomatitis) | $1,500–$3,000+ |
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in cats — including in breeds like the Maine Coon — so most cats will need dental care at some point.
Does pet insurance cover cat dental cleaning?
The same rule as dogs applies: most accident-and-illness plans cover dental illness and extractions (tooth resorption, stomatitis, periodontal disease) when not pre-existing, while a routine preventive cleaning usually requires a wellness add-on. Full details on does pet insurance cover dental.
What you'd pay with insurance
With 80–90% reimbursement, a $1,500 dental-with-extractions bill becomes roughly $150–$300 out of pocket after your deductible. Given how common feline dental disease is, that coverage pays off. Estimate your premium with the cost calculator.
Compare plans with dental coverage
Look for providers that include dental illness in the base plan, plus a wellness add-on for routine cleanings. Compare these reviews:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pet insurance cover cat dental cleanings?
Dental illness and extractions (tooth resorption, stomatitis, periodontal disease) are covered on most accident-and-illness plans when not pre-existing. Routine preventive cleanings usually need a wellness add-on.
Why do cats need so many extractions?
Cats are prone to tooth resorption and stomatitis — painful conditions that often can't be fixed by cleaning alone and require extracting affected teeth. This is why cat dentals frequently cost more than expected.
How often should a cat get a dental cleaning?
Many cats benefit from a professional cleaning every 1–2 years, but it depends on the individual cat's dental health. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on exams.
Is anesthesia safe for a cat dental?
Modern veterinary anesthesia with pre-anesthetic bloodwork and monitoring is considered safe for most cats, including seniors. Anesthesia is necessary to clean below the gumline and treat disease properly.
Related: Does pet insurance cover dental? · Dog dental cleaning cost
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- American Veterinary Dental College — AVDC Nomenclature: standard terms for dental procedures, extractions and periodontal staging.
- American Animal Hospital Association — AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats: anaesthesia, radiographs and the standard of care a cleaning should meet.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners — Pet Insurance: waiting periods, pre-existing conditions, and how exclusions are defined.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Consumer Price Index, Veterinarian services (CUUR0000SEMD01): the published price trend for US veterinary care.