Those costs are quite low compared to what I pay here in RI. About HALF what I pay per cat.

Yes, the cat needs soft foods for at least 3 days after a dental -- longer with extractions. Chaplin had about 6 teeth out last year (can't recall exactly how may) and had to be on soft food for 2 weeks. So do get some in the house.

Cats should not be eating just dry kibble, anyway; this increases their chances of developing kidney disease as they age. Cats in the wild seldom drink water; they get all the fluids they need from their prey. As a result, our domesticated cats do not drink enough water from the water bowl. You must feed soft / wet / canned foods on a regular basis. I've had 4 cats develop CRF - chronic renal failure - due to feeding only dry kibble. I now give at least one meal daily of soft food. I also use baited water to get them to drink.