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How much does it cost to clean a cat's teeth?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Expect to pay a minimum of $100 but often up to $250 for a basic descale. This can be a costly procedure because it requires a general anesthetic. If the cat is older (it's often elderly cats that have very dirty teeth), then pre-anesthetic screening may be needed, too, ahead of the anesthetic. Some patients also require intravenous fluids to support them during the procedure.

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Question

How long does it take to clean a cat's teeth?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

An average time for a descale under anesthesia is around 20 minutes. However, if extractions are required, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

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Question

How often do you need to brush your cat's teeth?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A cat's teeth should be brushed once a day. Not doing so increases the risk of plaque accumulating, which hardens and becomes tartar.

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Question

What causes bad breath in cats?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Common causes of bad breath in cats include rotten teeth, heavy tartar deposits, sore gums, worms, and a fishy diet.

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