Dental scale and polish (cat)
Typical UK price: £150–£380(Includes general anaesthetic)
What is dental scale and polish (cat)?
A dental scale and polish removes tartar and plaque build-up from a cat's teeth using ultrasonic scaling tools, followed by polishing to smooth the enamel surface. The procedure requires general anaesthetic to allow safe examination of the full mouth, including under the gum line. It is the most effective way to address dental disease, which affects the majority of cats over 3 years of age.
Why do prices vary between vets?
- Severity of dental disease — heavy tartar build-up or early periodontal disease requires longer theatre time
- Anaesthetic protocol — including IV fluids, full monitoring, and a dedicated anaesthetic nurse increases the cost
- Whether tooth extraction is required — extractions are charged separately and can add significant cost if multiple teeth are affected
- Practice location — London and South East practices charge considerably more than regional counterparts
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my cat needs a dental scale and polish?
Signs of dental disease include bad breath, yellow or brown discolouration on the teeth, red or inflamed gums, drooling, dropping food, reduced appetite, or pawing at the mouth. Your vet will assess your cat's dental health at their annual check-up and advise if a scale and polish is needed.
How often do cats need a dental scale and polish?
This depends on the individual cat and home dental care. Cats with good genetics and regular tooth brushing may rarely need one; others prone to tartar build-up may need it every 1–2 years. Daily tooth brushing at home is the most effective preventative measure.
Is the anaesthetic safe for my cat?
General anaesthetic carries a small risk, which increases in older or unwell cats. Your vet will carry out a pre-anaesthetic assessment and may recommend blood tests to check organ function. In a healthy cat, the risk is low, and the long-term health benefits of treating dental disease outweigh it.
CMA Veterinary Market Investigation Order
From September 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) requires all UK vet practices to publish prices for this procedure on their website. VetPricelist aggregates these published prices so you can compare them in one place.