Do kittens teethe? Like humans, cats do have baby teeth that fall out before permanent teeth come in. In this blog, our Seattle veterinarians explain kitten teething and how you can help alleviate any discomfort they may be experiencing.
When does a kitten's first set of teeth come in?
Kittens are born with no visible teeth, but will get their first ones at just three weeks old. Kitten's baby teeth are called milk or deciduous teeth.
Your kitten will get their incisors and primary canines first, and then the rest follow shortly afterward. Kittens will normally have all their baby teeth by eight weeks, but it could be as early as six weeks.
Your kitten's baby teeth are also a useful indicator of your cat's age; your vet should be able to tell you how old a kitten is by using their teeth as a guide.
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
When do kitten teeth fall out? At roughly 12 weeks, or three months. By six months, your cat should have a full set of 30 adult teeth, although some cats take up to nine months for all their adult teeth to come in.
Your cat's adult teeth will be with them for the rest of their life, so take good care of them! The gold standard for feline dental care includes daily brushing with cat-safe toothpaste, as well as annual professional dental cleanings and examinations. There are also dental treatments for cats that can help prevent plaque buildup. Talk to your veterinarian to see what they recommend.
What are the most common signs of kitten teething?
Some signs that indicate your kitten may be teething include:
- Vocalizing more, from small to loud meows
- Increased chewing, especially on soft items
- Drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Chewing food more slowly
- Eating less
- Crankiness
- Hesitant to bite at or shake toys
- Pawing at mouth
Most of these symptoms should not be a cause for concern; however, you should still monitor your kitten. If you notice excessive bleeding, a complete lack of appetite, or an odd smell coming from your cat's mouth, they could be suffering from an infection. Make an appointment with your vet to have the issue diagnosed.
How to Help a Teething Kitten
Thankfully, there are several options available to you to help your teething kitten. You can:
- Offer them soft food, either a canned diet or kibble soaked in warm water.
- Make sure they get plenty of interactive playtime with you to keep them busy and tire them out.
- Make ice cubes of low-sodium chicken broth or diluted tuna juice for them to play with and chew on. The ice will soothe irritated gums. This is an especially popular item during hot weather.
- Provide soft toys to chew on.
Discomfort is usually mild and should resolve itself. For extreme cases of pain, contact your veterinarian.
Why Veterinary Dentistry is Important for Kittens
It is always important to ensure your cat has good oral hygiene, no matter what age. Dental infections or diseases can be common in kittens and cats, but if you start a cleaning routine early enough, your kitten will get used to it quickly, and you will be able to help prevent plaque and tartar formation. It will also promote healthy gums, reduce the risk of gingivitis, and reduce bad breath.
Combined with routine dental care from Cat Clinic of Seattle, you can help prevent various conditions and diseases affecting your cat's oral and overall health.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.