Cat owners have a new, affordable option to keep their cats’ mouths clean and prevent dental disease.
Friends of Felines’ Community Wellness Clinic is now offering dental cleanings and tooth extractions for cats at a significantly reduced rate.
Leaders of the nonprofit feline wellness organization saw an unmet need for cat dental care in the mid-Willamette Valley.
“There is a huge void in the community,” said Chelsey Marks, executive director and certified vet technician.
Cats benefit from preventative dental care just like humans. Regular cleanings can prevent gum disease, tooth loss, infections and other systemic health problems.
“Tartar releases bacteria which can affect cats’ heart, liver and kidneys,” explained Dr. Nicole Hatch, medical director and veterinarian at Friends of Felines. “Severe dental disease can lead to gingivitis, bad breath and in severe cases, bone loss.”
The Friends of Felines Wellness Clinic dental package price is $475 (discounted to $450 if paying with cash or check) and the following services are included:
- A pre-anesthetic exam including full oral health exam by the veterinarian
- Balanced anesthesia tailored specific to your cat’s needs and directly monitored by a licensed veterinary technician
- IV catheter and IV fluid support during the procedure
- Dental x-rays
- Dental cleaning and polishing performed by a licensed veterinary technician or experienced veterinary assistant
Extractions can be added on, pricing is from $10-$50 per tooth. Friends of Felines does not perform full-mouth extractions.
Cats must have had an exam by a veterinarian at the Friends of Felines wellness clinic within the past three months prior to receiving dental care. Exams are $30. Senior cats (age 8 and up) will need recent lab work, a service we can provide for $140, to have anesthesia.
Recognizing that the dental package cost is still significant, Friend of Felines now accepts CareCredit to pay for services over $200. This option allows pet owners to spread the cost of dentals, spay and neuter procedures, and preventive care over several months.
Cat owners interested in using CareCredit should apply online before scheduling with Friends of Felines. CareCredit makes its own determinations regarding creditworthiness and Friends of Felines has no control over whether your application is accepted. Applying for CareCredit does not impact your credit score.
Friends of Felines’ goal is to expand affordable veterinary care options for cats to prevent situations where pet owners surrender animals to shelters for economic reasons.
“This is just another way Friends of Felines is working to keep happy cats in their happy homes and out of the shelters,” Marks said.
Learn more about the service or schedule an appointment here, or call/text our clinic at 971-701-5651.
