Cat dental cleaning cost
Cat dental cleanings are done under anesthesia, and extractions found during the cleaning can change the total.
Updated October 15, 2026 · US prices · 2 sources · see sources
| Item | Typical US price | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Dental Cleaning: typical owner bill (10 bills) | $350–$1,450 | [1] |
| Cat Tooth Extraction: typical owner bill (11 bills) | $60–$275 | [2] |
| On the bill: Blood work before anesthesia | $50–$150 | [1] |
| On the bill: Anesthesia and monitoring (Needed for all dental work) | $150–$300 | [1] |
| On the bill: Full-mouth dental X-rays (Shows what is below the gumline) | $100–$250 | [1] |
| On the bill: Scaling and polishing (The cleaning itself) | $100–$350 | [1] |
| On the bill: Simple extraction | $50–$150 a tooth | [1] |
| On the bill: Surgical extraction | $150–$400 a tooth | [1] |
| On the bill: Nerve block (Numbs the area around an extraction) | $25–$75 a site | [1] |
| On the bill: Pain medication to take home | $15–$40 | [1] |
| On the bill: Full-mouth extraction (For cats with severe mouth inflammation) | $1,000–$3,000 | [1] |
Ranges come from the sources below, and each one measures something slightly different (published prices, owner invoices or planning budgets). Your vet's estimate is what counts. Older figures, like the ASPCA's 2021 table, are probably lower than today's prices.
What affects the cost
- Extractions No extractions: $250–$500. Several extractions: $500–$1,500 or more. [1]
- Full-mouth extraction Cats with severe mouth inflammation can need it, at $1,000–$3,000 or more. [1]
- Blood work Some quotes include it and some bill $50–$150 on top. [1]
- The kind of practice Cat-only practices can charge more than general practices. [1]
- Which tooth Front teeth cost $50–$80. Canines and premolars cost $100–$300 or more. [2]
- How hard it is to remove A loose single-root tooth is simple. A damaged or broken tooth needs surgery. [2]
- How many teeth Each one adds to the bill, but anesthesia and X-rays are charged once. [2]
📍 Regional note
- Where you live Prices differ from one area to the next. [1]
Ways to save
- Ask for the cleaning-only price and the per-tooth price A cleaning with no extractions is $250–$500. Extractions are not known for certain until the X-rays are taken. [1]
- Ask about dental month discounts Many vets take 10–20% off dental cleanings in February. [1]
- If many teeth are coming out, ask for one total A single quote for the whole job can be cheaper than per-tooth pricing. [1]
- Ask two or three practices for an itemized estimate Cat dental prices vary widely, mostly on extractions. [1]
- If your cat is insured, ask how extractions are written up Insurers look for extractions recorded as medically necessary due to disease. [1]
- Ask a general practice as well as a cat-only one Cat-only practices can charge more for the same visit. [1]
- Ask about a veterinary teaching hospital They do extractions for well below private practice prices, with a veterinary dentist supervising. [2]
- Ask for a per-tooth estimate Ask for it split into simple and surgical extractions, so quotes are easier to read side by side. [2]
Questions to ask your vet
Print this or bring it on your phone.
Common questions
How much does a cat dental cleaning cost?
Based on 10 real invoices, cat dental cleanings typically cost between $350 and $1,450. A cleaning-only visit (no extractions): $250–$500. With extractions: $500–$1,500+. Based on VetReceipt's data from dog dentals (similar pattern), about 80% of dental visits include at least one extraction. (Source: VetReceipt)
How do cat dental costs compare to dog dental costs?
Cat dental cleanings are generally 10–20% less expensive than dog dentals because cats are smaller (less anesthesia, shorter procedure time). However, cats are uniquely prone to tooth resorption, which often requires multiple extractions — so the extraction portion can push cat dental bills to the same level as dogs. Anesthesia and X-ray costs are similar regardless of pet size. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much do cat tooth extractions add to the cost?
Simple single-root extractions: $50–$150 per tooth. Complex multi-root extractions: $150–$400+ per tooth. Cats with tooth resorption often need multiple teeth extracted — sometimes full-mouth extractions ($1,000–$3,000+). The number of extractions is the single biggest cost variable and can't be predicted until the cat is under anesthesia and X-rays are taken. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does it cost to pull a cat's tooth?
Based on 11 real vet bills, the total cost for a cat tooth extraction visit typically runs $60–$275. The extraction line item itself averages $50–$130 per tooth for simple extractions and $100–$300+ for surgical extractions, but the total bill includes anesthesia ($150–$300), dental X-rays ($100–$250), and often a dental cleaning ($200–$400) performed at the same time. Single-tooth extractions for uncomplicated issues fall toward the low end; full-mouth extractions for stomatitis push costs to $1,500–$3,000+. (Source: VetReceipt)
Why do cats need tooth extractions?
The most common reasons are: tooth resorption (FORLs) — affects 30–70% of cats and is the #1 cause of feline extractions; periodontal disease — progressive gum and bone disease; stomatitis — severe oral inflammation where the immune system reacts to plaque, often requiring full-mouth extraction for cure; and fractured teeth. Unlike dogs, cats rarely break teeth from chewing — most feline extractions are for disease that develops silently over time, which is why dental X-rays are critical at every cleaning. (Source: VetReceipt)
How much does a full-mouth extraction cost for a cat with stomatitis?
Full-mouth or near-full-mouth extraction for feline stomatitis typically costs $1,500–$3,000+ depending on the number of teeth, difficulty, and whether a specialist performs the surgery. The procedure includes: pre-anesthetic blood work ($75–$200), general anesthesia ($150–$300), full-mouth dental X-rays ($100–$250), extraction of all or most teeth ($100–$300 per tooth, but bulk pricing often applies), and post-op pain management ($30–$60). Despite the high upfront cost, full-mouth extraction resolves stomatitis in 60–90% of cats and eliminates the need for lifelong medication ($50–$150/month). (Source: VetReceipt)
Breeds with related health issues
These breed pages mention a related health issue, based on AKC, CFA and PetMD breed information. It doesn't mean every pet of the breed will need this.
Related guides
Sources
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Tooth Extraction Cost (owner bills, 2026)
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