What does cat dental insurance cover?

Does pet insurance include dental cover?

Some pet insurance policies offer cover for dental treatment your cat needs because of an accident or illness.

• Fixing accidental dental damage

• Treating broken teeth or abscesses

• Tooth extraction

• Damage to teeth and gums resulting from illness.

It’s important to know that not all cat insurance policies include dental cover as standard. And there’s no such thing as standalone cat dental insurance.

When it comes to cat insurance including dental, levels of cover can vary significantly depending on the provider and the type of policy you choose.

Some offer cover for illnesses, while others will only cover accidental damage.

That’s why it’s important to compare your options and read the policy terms and conditions carefully to check what’s included.

While you’re at it, check the cover limits for dental treatment and look out for any exclusions, too.

What dental care is not covered by cat insurance?

Pet insurance policies won’t cover:

• Routine dental work like check-ups and teeth cleaning, or preventative care, like a descale and polish.

• Preventable dental conditions. That means you’ll need to keep up with your cat’s annual dental check-up and follow any course of treatment recommended by your vet. If you don’t and your cat develops a dental illness, such as gum disease, any claim you make for treatment is likely to be rejected.

• Pre-existing dental conditions. It’s unlikely your cat will be covered for any treatment for pre-existing conditions, dental or otherwise. However, some policies will exclude existing conditions for a specified number of years and lifetime pet insurance can cover chronic conditions that develop after the policy is taken out.

What is the cost of cat dental care?

Dental treatment for cats can cost several hundred pounds.

This is because in most cases, treatment has to be done under a general anaesthetic. So it’s best to have all the necessary work done in a single visit.

It’s up to your vet to decide how much to charge for dental treatment and prices can vary considerably.

Here’s an idea of costs in the UK for common dental treatments your cat might need:

• If your cat has a severe abscess, broken teeth or retained baby teeth, they may need a tooth extraction. Cat tooth removal costs can range between £400-£700.

• If your cat has plaque and tartar build up or gingivitis, they’ll need a professional scale and polish. This will also involve general anaesthetic. Professional cat teeth cleaning costs can range from £300-£550 depending on your vet and the extent of the problem.

What dental conditions do cats suffer from?

The most common dental problems in cats are:

• A build-up of plaque or tartar

• Mild gum disease (also called gingivitis)

• Advanced gum disease (also called periodontal disease)

• Fractured or chipped teeth

• Tooth abscess

• Mouth ulcers

• Tooth damage from accidents

• Tooth resorption, a cat specific condition where the teeth begin to develop painful lesions or holes around the gumline.

Older cats are more prone to dental illness, but it’s important to get into a good oral health routine for your cat from an early age.

Good dental habits and regular dental check-ups from the vet can help you get on top of issues before they become serious problems.

What are the signs of dental problems in cats?

Signs that your cat may be suffering from dental problems include:

• Bad breath

• Difficulty eating – signs might be your cat backing away from food, preferring soft food, chewing on one side of their mouth or meowing in pain when eating

• Red, sore or bleeding gums

• Swelling around your cat’s face, cheeks or jaw

• Excessive drooling

• Chattering teeth

• Pawing at the mouth

• Blood in the food or water bowl

• Weight loss

• Grooming less (because their mouth is sore).

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to get your feline friend to the vet for a dental check-up.

Cats might not show any symptoms until their dental problems have become severe. That’s why it’s so important to get your cat’s teeth and gums checked on a regular basis.

Can I prevent dental problems in my cat?

You can reduce the chances of needing to make a dental insurance claim if you look after your cat’s teeth. You can try:

• Regular brushing – charity Cats Protection recommends this, although be warned that cats need to be trained to let you do it.

• Adding cat mouthwash to your cat’s drinking water could help with your cat’s oral hygiene.

• Using dental gel – if you cat won’t tolerate having its teeth brushed, this can be rubbed on their teeth and gums to help reduce the build-up of plaque.

• Dental chews and toys can help keep their teeth healthy.

• Introducing special dry food diets can boost your cat’s oral health.

• Regular check-ups – it’s a good idea to let your vet check your cat’s mouth at least once a year for gum disease.

• Cleaning away any plaque to prevent dental disease developing with a scale and polish.

How should I brush my cat’s teeth?

You’ll need patience and perseverance to train your cat to let you brush its teeth.

It’s best to start building positive associations with teeth brushing when your cat is around six months old, but older cats can learn too. Kittens may find it too painful if they're still teething.

Here are some steps to follow:

1. Prepare. Buy some cat-safe toothpaste and a cat toothbrush or microfibre cloth to clean your cat’s teeth. Cat toothpaste typically comes in fish and meat flavours to make it more enticing.

2. Get into a routine. Start giving your kitten or cat a small amount of the toothpaste each day at around the same time to get them used to the smell, taste, and routine.

3. Go slow. Build up towards opening their lips and mouth in small increments. Make sure they’re comfortable before going any further and remember to avoid their delicate whiskers. Once they’re comfortable having their mouth opened you can start getting them used to you touching their teeth and gums.

4. Reward them. Give your cat loving attention and treats before and after teeth brushing practice so they start to build positive associations.

5. Try brushing. Start with a little toothpaste on your finger and once they’re comfortable with that, try it with a toothbrush or microfibre cloth. Use small, gentle, circular motions and focus on the area between the teeth and gums where plaque tends to build up.

6. Brush daily. It’s best to brush your cat’s teeth daily if you can. Think of it as extra bonding time for you and your cat.

What to do if your cat starts to have dental problems?

You should consult your vet as soon as you suspect your cat has dental problems.

They can check in your pet’s mouth and diagnose the problem and then advise on the best course of treatment.

How can you make a claim for dental care on your cat insurance?

It depends on your pet insurance provider and their claims process, but often the first step is to call your provider’s helpline. There should be a number listed on your policy documents. Alternatively, you may be able to submit a claim online.

Your cat insurance provider can advise:

• If your claim is likely to be covered

• What evidence you’ll need to provide to back up your claim

• If you need to pay any excess

• How their claims process works and the next steps.