Kitten Teething: An Age Timeline
These baby teeth all fall out by the age of 3 to 4 months, making room for the adult teeth to then pop up. Typically, all adult teeth are in place by the time a kitten is 6 months old. Most adult cats have 26 baby teeth and 30 adult teeth.
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.
When do kittens get their deciduous teeth?
Kittens are born without any visible teeth. Around three weeks of age is when the deciduous teeth begin to erupt through the gums, and they usually finish by six to eight weeks of age.
A healthy mouth depends on healthy teeth. When you first bring a kitten home, before the discomfort of teething sets in, is the best time to start brushing their teeth. It is advised that you stop brushing during the brief time when the baby teeth are falling out and the permanent teeth are erupting. The best dental care products and techniques for your kitten can be determined with the assistance of your veterinary health care team.
Which deciduous teeth are more likely to be persistent?
The upper canine teeth are the most likely to remain in place, followed by the lower canine teeth and incisors. But occasionally, the premolar teeth might also be kept.
FAQ
Do cats have baby teeth that fall out?
What age do kittens lose teeth?
Do kittens teeth fall out naturally?
Is my 2 year old cat teething?