Cat Dental Cleaning
Cost UK
Cat dental cleaning costs £200 to £400 in the UK in 2026. This includes general anaesthesia, scaling, polishing, and post-op care. Cats are prone to painful resorptive lesions that often need extractions, adding £50-£150 per tooth.
What You Will Pay
Dental disease is the most common health problem in cats, affecting over 70% of cats by age 3. Unlike dogs, cats are particularly susceptible to feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) — painful conditions where the tooth gradually dissolves. Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia is the only effective way to treat these conditions and prevent ongoing pain.
| Component | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-anaesthetic blood test | £60 – £120 | Essential for older cats |
| General anaesthesia | £120 – £200 | Includes monitoring and recovery |
| Scaling & polishing | £80 – £150 | Ultrasonic descaling all teeth |
| Simple extraction (per tooth) | £30 – £80 | Loose or single-rooted teeth |
| Surgical extraction (per tooth) | £80 – £150 | Resorptive lesions, multi-rooted |
| Post-op medication | £15 – £40 | Pain relief, antibiotics if needed |
scale and polish only, no extractions
cleaning with 1-2 minor extractions
multiple extractions, resorptive lesions
Factors That Affect
the Price
Number of extractions
Cats commonly develop feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs), affecting up to 60% of cats over age 6. These painful lesions require extraction, and multiple teeth may be affected, significantly increasing cost.
Cat age and health
Older cats need more extensive pre-anaesthetic screening and carry higher anaesthetic risk. Cats with kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or heart conditions require additional monitoring, adding to cost.
Location
London and South East vets charge 30-40% more than Northern England or Scotland. The medication and anaesthetic costs are broadly similar, but consultation and surgical fees vary widely.
Corporate vs independent
Corporate chains typically charge 15-20% more than independent practices for dental procedures. Compare at least 3 local practices before booking.
How to Save Money
Brush your cat's teeth
Daily brushing with a cat-specific toothpaste reduces plaque and delays the need for professional cleaning. Start young for best acceptance. Even 3x per week makes a significant difference.
Use dental diets
Royal Canin Dental and Hill's t/d are clinically proven to reduce tartar. They cost slightly more than standard food (£40-£60/month) but can halve the frequency of professional cleaning.
Compare prices locally
Use VetCost to compare dental cleaning prices at nearby practices. Prices vary enormously — a 10-minute search can save you £100-£200.
Ask about wellness plans
Many practices offer health club plans that include dental cleaning at 15-20% discount, spread over monthly payments.
Would insurance have covered this?
On a typical lifetime policy an owner pays the excess (usually £60–£200) and, on some policies, 10–20% of the rest. Pre-existing conditions are never covered, so the time to compare is before something goes wrong.
Compare UK pet insurers side by sideLinks may earn VetCost a commission at no cost to you. Prices shown are "from" figures supplied by insurers; your quote depends on your pet.
Recommended by VetCost
Retailers we earn a commission from. It costs you nothing and never changes what we show.
Dog Dental Foam
No-brush dental foam that reduces plaque and freshens breath. Spray, swallow, done. Vet-formulated.
Bella & Duke Natural Treats
100% natural, air-dried and single-ingredient treats for dogs. No fillers, additives or nasties. Salmon bites, venison, sprats, rabbit ears and more.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat dental cleaning costs £200-£400 in the UK in 2026. This includes anaesthesia, scaling, polishing, and post-op medication. Extractions add £30-£150 per tooth depending on complexity.
Around 70% of cats over age 3 have dental disease. Untreated dental disease causes pain, difficulty eating, weight loss, and can spread bacteria to the kidneys and heart. Regular dental care is essential for cat health.
Most cats benefit from professional dental cleaning every 1-2 years. Cats prone to dental disease (Siamese, Abyssinian, Oriental breeds) may need annual cleaning. Regular home care can extend the interval.
Routine cleaning is usually not covered. Treatment for diagnosed dental disease (FORLs, periodontal disease, fractured teeth) is typically covered under illness benefits. Check your policy for dental exclusions.
FORLs are painful lesions where the tooth structure is gradually destroyed by the body. They affect up to 60% of cats over 6 and are the most common reason for cat tooth extraction. There is no way to prevent them — only extraction provides relief.
Compare cat dental prices near you
Find local vets offering competitive prices for cat dental cleaning. Enter your postcode to compare.