Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Is a cat dental cleaning worth it?

Rebecca Wolken
By

You might have heard of a cat dental cleaning and thought of your own experience watching a TV in the ceiling while your hygienist cleans your teeth. While that isn’t exactly how a cat dental cleaning goes, there are a lot of similarities, and it’s just as important for you to take care of your cat’s teeth.

What is a cat dental cleaning?

Unlike you when you get your teeth cleaned, your cat is put under anesthesia, and tools are used to scrape and clean the surface and below the gum line of the cat’s teeth. The visit could also include tooth extraction if issues are found during the cleaning.

Related Videos

During your cat’s annual visit or a visit for oral pain, your vet might suggest getting the cat’s teeth professionally cleaned. At first, this may seem excessive, but keep in mind that cats have just as many dental problems as humans, and many of them can be painful.

Once your veterinarian has seen signs of dental buildup, and you’ve agreed to a dental cleaning, they may suggest a few tests and checkups before the procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly. Among these tests and checkups are:

    • Blood test
    • Urine test
    • Electrocardiogram
    • Blood pressure
    • X-rays
    • Thyroid test

Since cat dental cleanings happen under anesthesia, these tests are necessary to ensure your cat’s safety during the procedure. If anesthesia makes you nervous, rest assured that anesthesia risks for cats are as low as they are for humans.

What are the health benefits?

Just like humans, cats can suffer from dental disorders like periodontal disease or tooth decay. These can be painful and dangerous to your cat’s health. Not only could they lose teeth, but dental diseases also could affect other areas of their health.

An estimated 85% of cats have periodontal disease by the time they reach 6 years old. Another 50% are estimated to have tooth resorption, an excruciating issue in which parts of the tooth, including the root, are missing due to irritation or injury. Resorption can lead to complete tooth loss.

Regular cleanings by a veterinarian and at-home care can reduce the risk of these painful diseases. At your cat’s annual veterinary appointment, the vet will inspect the teeth for signs of problems.

Here are some symptoms to look for at home that could indicate your cat is experiencing oral pain.

    • Dropping food
    • No interest in eating
    • Running away from the bowl
    • Drooling
    • Bad breath
    • Change in behavior
    • Chewing on one side
    • Trouble chewing
    • Swallowing without chewing

A cat with unresolved dental issues can also be at higher risk for heart, liver, and kidney disease. Want to know more? Check out our guide on why do cats hiss at you.

Cat dental insurance

The necessity of pet dental insurance is like auto insurance – it is something you hope you never need, but you’re glad to have it when you do. Many insurance providers, such as Progressive, offer pet insurance that covers things like dental cleanings. However, it’s important to note that not all these plans cover preventive, elective, or cosmetic procedures.

A few pet insurance companies do cover the costs of treating gingivitis, root canals, broken, chipped, and fractured teeth. With many insurance options out there, you’re sure to find one that works for you.

cat-toothbrushes-in-a-cup

At-home dental care

Although regular dental cleanings are great for cats’ oral health, home care is an important piece of their overall dental care. Healthy kitty gums start with regular brushing and proper nutrition.

The type of food your cat eats can impact their dental health. Supplying your cat with the proper nutrients will give their body the tools it needs to fight off disease. Dental treats can also be a no-fuss way to keep tartar to a minimum. Similarly, hard kibble can help scrape your cat’s teeth, so avoid too much soft food if possible.

Tips for brushing your cat’s teeth

When brushing your cat’s teeth at home, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Never use human toothpaste on your cat. Human toothpaste contains chemicals and ingredients that can harm your pet. Brush kits such as these can be found on Amazon and are an excellent way to keep up with your cat’s dental health.

Before you even begin brushing, you can expect resistance from your cat. Initiate your brushing ritual by merely introducing the brush to your cat. You may also want to try a finger brush, like this one from Amazon.

Slowly introducing the brush and offering treats when your cat interacts with it will provide positive reinforcement when it comes to brushing.

Over time, begin brushing their teeth gently and for short periods, then extend the periods bit by bit as they get used to it. Eventually, they may even enjoy it!

We all want what’s best for our pets, and our cat’s dental health is key to their overall health. Home brushing and annual vet visits will ensure your cat’s dental health is maintained.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Are urinary tract infections in cats possible? What cat parents should know about this condition
What to know about prevention and treatment of UTIs in cats
Gray cat in a cat bed

UTIs are a common and pesky condition in humans. It’s short for urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection of a part of the urinary system, like the bladder, kidneys, or urethra, as the name implies. UTIs can involve painful burning sensations when peeing. They affect about 10 out of 25 women and 3 out of 25 men at least once, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Cat parents may wonder: What is the rate of urinary tract infections in cats? Unfortunately, it’s not zero. Cats can get UTIs. The good news is that cat health experts don’t commonly see the issue when treating felines. However, it’s still good to think about the urinary tract when approaching your cat’s health.

Read more
Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards
Bengal cat breed facts that may surprise you
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

With their striking rosette coats and low-maintenance grooming needs, Bengal cats are already one of the most desired breeds in the world. Once known as Safari cats, the breed went through a name change in the 1970s to reflect its fascinating heritage. But what is living like a Bengal cat actually like? Are they as feisty as their Asian leopard ancestors?
We'll explore the Bengal cat's personality in depth, covering everything from a brief look into their history, the most common Bengal personality traits, and any breed-specific requirements that may hinder your quest to adopt one of these lovely cats.

Bengal cat history
While some cat breeds, such as the Egyptian Mau, can trace their lineage as far back as 10,000 B.C.E., the Bengal cat is a relative newcomer on the scene. The Bengal cat was first bred deliberately in California in the 1980s, after cat breeder Jean Mill crossed a domestic shorthair (a black tomcat) with an Asian leopard cat. Asian leopard cats, a breed of dainty wildcats hailing from Southeast Asia, are also known as Felis bengalensis -- hence the aforementioned name change from Safari cat to "Bengal cat," -- a nod to this hybrid breed's wild ancestor.
However, there may be another reason for the switch that led to the newly dubbed Bengal cat. When the breed's name was changed in 1974, the man responsible was named William "Bill" Engler -- B. Engler. Some believe he drew inspiration from his own name.

Read more
Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?
What you need to know about your cat's mental health
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

As it turns out, man's best friend has quite a lot in common with humans. Just like us, dogs can suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year." With such staggering numbers, it's easy to understand why the self-help industry is booming. But what about cats? Are our feline family members similarly affected by mental health issues?
While dogs are typically more expressive regarding their moods, cats can be more difficult to read. A dog suffering from depression may refuse to play with his favorite toy, but what behaviors can you expect from your feline friend? Do cats suffer from depression and anxiety the way some dogs do? We'll take a deep dive into the world of cat mental health, so we can answer the question once and for all.

Can cats have mental illnesses?
In her 2014 book "Animal Madness," Dr. Laurel Braitman writes, "There is not a branch of veterinary science, ethology (the science of animal behavior), neuroscience, or wildlife ecology dedicated to investigating whether animals can be mentally ill." While we can't read our cat's mind, we can use their typical behavior to gauge sudden personality changes that might ring a few alarm bells.
Two commonly diagnosed mental issues in cats are obsessive-compulsive disorder -- often abbreviated as OCD -- and cat anxiety. In cases of OCD, you may notice your cat excessively grooming the same location on her body, which can lead to redness, swelling, skin irritation, and even hair loss. However, excessive grooming is also a symptom of anxiety, though anxiety is often accompanied by additional concerning behaviors, such as decreased appetite, incessant yowling, and even drooling.
Details are scant regarding exactly how many cats suffer from mental health issues, but the fact remains that your frisky feline can be affected by OCD, anxiety, or depression. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that cats can even have autism.

Read more