Kittens start teething; much as human babies do, progressing through two sets of milestone baby teeth. The first stage commences when they begin to get their deciduous or “baby” teeth, normally 2–3 weeks old. These tiny teeth will help them move on from drinking milk to chewing on solid foods. But this is not the end of it. Like many animals, kittens go through a teething period at 3 to 4 months old when their baby teeth fall out and adult permanent teeth grow in. It is usually at about this time that you will find your kitten is a little uncomfortable also, as this is the equivalent to teething in human babies, they get gum problems and an urge to chew anything within reach.
It is imperative to note the signs of teething, as a pet parent, as they may consist more chewing — also especially on inappropriate items that get chewed, drooling or just light agitation. Having a fair idea what to expect in these stages and being able to look after the needs of your kitten helps them get through their discomforts early on, but also means they are better adjusted as adult cats. By educating yourself, your new puppy will benefit in a less stressful teething process and the bond you are creating during this important phase for its growth.
Are Cats Born with Teeth?
Newborn kittens, like babies of any species, are helpless and completely dependent on their mothers for sustenance initially, as they do not yet have teeth. They don’t chew, so they are born without the need of teeth to eat at birth. Nonetheless, kittens do grow and progress swiftly and when they come to the weaning age results right around the humdinger where they involuntarily require teeth for chewing out solid foods.
They are too young for their baby teeth to make room. For this reason, kittens grow only a limited number of juvenile teeth; these are the so-called milk teeth. They use those little teeth to start exploring solid food as they mature. Eventually, with time, and the experience of growing mature or old enough for them to fall out with their baby teeth, so that the larger adult (permanent) ones could come in. In this way, their slowly growing jaws support an entire function set subtending to full adulthood.
Kitten Teething Timeline
This timeline gives a much closer look to the major milestones in kitten teething, from infancy to their first complete set of adult teeth. Although the order of this process is reasonably consistent, there are slight variations between people. If you are ever in doubt or have any questions about your kitten teething setup, consult with your veterinarian.
Baby Teeth Development
Birth:
Kittens have no teeth. They are only capable of depending on their mother’s milk during the first weeks of life because they have no teeth.
2 to 4 weeks:
The incisors also called the little teeth in front of both the top and bottom jaw start emerging. This is six incisors in the upper jaw and a further six in the lower.
3 to 4 weeks:
The canines (the long teeth at the side of the incisors) are coming in. Kittens naturally have four canines, two on the top (one on each side) and two on the bottom (one on each side).
4 to 6 weeks:
The premolars are the last baby teeth to come in. They are mounted further than a front in the oral cavity and have a function of chewing. Kittens generally possess three premolars on each side of the upper jaw and two on each side of the lower jaw.
8 weeks:
26 kitten teeth should all be erupted. During this point, the kitten already has all her baby teeth at 26 and she’s going to start losing them one by one when adult teeth start appearing. Use this time to give your kitten a head start towards healthy adult teeth as well by monitoring your kitten’s dental health and getting them used to gentle oral care practices.
Now that you know the timeline of kitten teething, remember that every kitten is different and there may be slight variations in when they lose their baby teeth. If you notice abnormalities such as delayed tooth eruption or if your puppy seems to be in some sort of pain, then make sure that you consult with your veterinarian.
Kitten Teeth V. Adult Cat Teeth
Kitten Teeth Development Stages Timeline
Kittens have 26 teeth in total; 12 incisors, four canines and ten premolars (six on the upper jaw and four on the lower). Adult cats end up with a total of 30 teeth once they start to grow their permanent teeth: 12 incisors, four canines, ten premolars, and four molars.
Primary teeth, of course, are much smaller and sharper compared to permanent teeth and tend to display a more translucent look.
Adult Cat Teeth Development Stages Timeline
- 3.5 to 4 Months: The deciduous incisors start falling out and the adult incisors erupt
- 4 to 5 Months: The baby canines and premolars will begin to fall out allowing space for adult canines, premolars, as well as one molar on both sides of the upper and lower jaws however only these eight permanent teeth are present.
- 5 to 7 Months: At around six months in age, a kitten will have all their 30 adult teeth.
Signs Your Kitten Is Teething
If you see your kitten teething, you might notice new teeth sniping through or find baby teeth around the house although it is typical for kittens to consume them. Also, several changes in the behavior are common at this teething stage;
Pain:
Teething can be painful so kittens may paw at or rub their faces, as well as more general irritability
Eating problems:
pain of chewing hard food can cause undue suffering/ aversion to consumption or tumble their food from their mouth.
Excessive Drooling:
You might notice drooling similar to human infants during this time.
Foul Breath:
Teething may cause a unique “kitten breath” smell.
Chewing:
Chewing may increase in kittens to help soothe gum irritation.
Toys for Teething Kittens
Most kittens show a tendency to chew during the teething process. However, this kind of behavior is natural and even helpful and therefore should be encouraged. Instead, it is best to channel their chewing towards appropriate objects.
Try to avoid letting your kitten begin or continue to chew on your hands as this can be a difficult habit to break later. Also, be sure to keep toxic items out of reach from your kitten. Instead, provide your kitten with an array of soft chew toys made specifically for kitten chewing like the Pet stages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel.
you can try giving a teething kitten that needs to chew a frozen washcloth as an easy remedy. Just wet a wash cloth the best you can and freeze it until you get that crunchy ice. The texture and cold temperature of the washcloth offers relief from teething for kittens.
The Best Food for Teething Kittens
Even if your kitten is already eating dry food, she’ll likely continue to eat well through the teething process. However, in case your kitten seems to be having a hard time with that, the solution would be to change it for wet food.
But some of the other advantages of switching from dry to wet food are just as eye-opening. Kittens and cats tend to be healthier if they consume wet food. It has higher protein & water content and fewer carbs residual from dry food, which is more in tune with feline nutritional requirements. This is also a good time to switch to wet food, so try that with some of the suggestions mentioned if your kitten responds well!
Brushing a Kitten’s Teeth
Your kitten going through this teething phase is a great way to try and get it used to having its teeth brushed. Do not clean their mouth during this time as their mouth is sensitive. As manners, hygiene are very important so it is necessary to establish a positive association of tooth brushing and that experience should not get associated with some discomfort or pain.
Start by using a soft finger brush along with some flavored cat toothpaste. You can also use a soft brush, gently massaging it around the teeth and gums to soothe them as well as get them accustomed to the process. This gentle approach is critical to teaching your kitten that he or she needs to get used to being brushed, laying the foundation for the more thorough grooming sessions they are likely to undergo in their future especially when all of their adult teeth have finally appeared. This can be great for their teeth throughout their life, and by doing it regularly with a kitten can set good teething habits too.
When to Start Looking for Problems with a Kitten’s Teeth?
Kittens should see a veterinarian for routine preventive care every 3 to 4 weeks beginning at age 6 to 8 weeks and continuing until they are14 to 16 weeks. Each time, the veterinarian will thoroughly check the health of your kitten’s teeth and mouth which is something that should also be done during routine wellness checks as an adult cat.
Between those routine visits, pet owners must also keep an eye on how their kitten’s teeth are coming in at home! For example, a baby tooth is supposed to fall out before its corresponding adult tooth comes in. In cases when this does not happen, the kitten may develop delayed or retained deciduous teeth causing tooth crowding, crooked eruption of permanent teeth, periodontal disease, oral trauma and infection. Early extraction of retained primary teeth is essential as it leads to unhindered eruption of the permanent dentition.
If you are concerned about dental health in your kitten, please consult your veterinarian. Veterinarians will be able to provide the appropriate treatment for dental issues and help your kitten grow up into a healthy, happy adult cat.