Introduction to kitten teething
These deciduous milk teeth will fall out when they are 3.5 – 4 months old, and the kitten’s permanent adult teeth then grow in. This means that kittens teethe twice in their lives – once for their set of 26 baby teeth and again when their 30 adult teeth come through.
How many sets of teeth do cats have?
As in humans, cats have two sets of teeth. They have 26 deciduous teeth as kittens, which are also referred to as primary, baby, or milk teeth. As adult cats they have 30 permanent teeth.
When do kittens get their permanent teeth?
In kittens, the entire teething process is relatively rapid. Kittens start teething between the ages of 10 weeks and 6 months, during which time their permanent incisors gradually replace their primary ones. The average kitten will have all 30 adult teeth erupted by the time it is 6-7 months old.
What happens during teething?
Adult teeth, called tooth buds, are developing beneath the baby teeth, buried in the jawbone. The adult teeth erupt through the gums and move through the bone as they grow. The baby tooth that is connected to that permanent tooth should ideally fall out. The baby teeth will usually fall out while the kitten is eating and be swallowed along with the remainder of their food, though you may find these hollow shells of the teeth on the floor or in their bedding.
During the uncomfortable teething phase, your kitten might drool, occasionally refuse food, and become agitated because of their sore mouth. When they are teething, almost all kittens will feel the need to chew. It’s critical that you take all reasonable steps to redirect your kitten’s chewing toward appropriate items. Steer clear of giving your kitten anything hard that could chip their teeth.
Additionally, you might detect the distinctive breath smell known as “kitten breath,” which is connected to teething. As long as the kitten is teething, this smell is normal.
Sometimes however, the permanent tooth erupts alongside the baby tooth. A baby tooth is known as a persistent deciduous tooth if it is still there when the permanent tooth starts to erupt.
FAQ
What age do cats lose baby teeth?
Do kittens teeth fall out naturally?
Is it normal for old cats to lose teeth?