Kitten Teething - Greencross Vets

Kitten Teething Guide

Kitten teething is a normal and important part of your young cat’s development. Just like babies, kittens are born without teeth and go through two teething phases as they grow. While many pet parents are aware of puppy teething, fewer realise that kittens also experience discomfort and irritability – and sometimes even behavioural changes – when their teeth are coming in or falling out.

Read on to learn about everything that happens with a teething kitten, including how many teeth cats have, the signs and symptoms to look for, as well as how to care for your kitten’s teeth throughout the entire process. You’ll also learn when to get advice from a vet and what to expect at your kitten’s dental check-up.

When Do Kittens Start Teething?

Kittens begin teething quite early – typically between 2 to 4 weeks of age. At this point, their first baby teeth, also called ‘deciduous’ or ‘milk’ teeth, start to erupt through the gums. They are small, sharp teeth that are perfect for early feeding and grooming behaviours.

At around 3.5 to 4 months, the baby teeth start to fall out to make way for a complete set of adult teeth. This second teething phase continues until the kitten is around 6 to 7 months old. Remember that kittens teethe twice<: first for their 26 baby teeth and then again for their 30 adult teeth.

While teething isn’t usually painful, it can cause some mild irritation and discomfort. That’s why being prepared for it can be helpful as a new pet owner.

How Many Teeth Do Kittens Have?

Kittens grow a total of 26 baby teeth:

• 12 incisors
• 4 canines
• 10 premolars

As they mature, these are replaced by 30 permanent teeth:

• 12 incisors
• 4 canines
• 10 premolars
• 4 molars

These adult teeth should be fully developed by around 6 to 7 months. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do cats lose baby teeth?”, they absolutely do, just like humans and dogs.

Kitten Teething Timeline

• 0–2 weeks: Kittens are born toothless.
• 2–4 weeks: First teeth start to erupt – usually the incisors.
• 5–8 weeks: All 26 baby teeth have come through.
• 11 weeks: Baby teeth start to fall out naturally.
• 3–4 months: Adult teeth erupt in stages: incisors first, followed by canines, premolars and molars.
• 6 months: Book a dental check-up to make sure your cat’s teeth are developing healthily.
• 6–7 months: A full set of 30 adult teeth should be in.

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these kitten teething age milestones so you can keep an eye on your cat’s dental health and watch for any possible issues.

 

Common Kitten Teething Symptoms

Every kitten is different, but most will show some of the following kitten teething symptoms:

• Missing teeth: You might find tiny teeth on the floor, or not at all. Some kittens swallow them, which isn’t harmful.
• Pawing at the mouth or shaking the head: Behaviours like this can indicate an attempt to dislodge loose teeth.
• Increased chewing: Teething kittens will chew on toys or household items to relieve some of the pressure.
• Irritability: Discomfort can lead to grumpy behaviour.
• Slight gum bleeding: You might notice tiny blood spots in their food or water bowls.
• Sensitive face: Your kitten might not want to be touched around the mouth.
• Little to no appetite: Chewing can be slightly uncomfortable, especially with dry food.
• Less grooming: Oral pain can be a reason why your cat isn’t grooming themselves as much as usual.

How to Help a Teething Kitten

Teething can be uncomfortable, but there are many simple ways to help a teething kitten feel better and stay healthy.

1. Give Them Teething Toys Kitten teething toys can relieve pressure and help thwart dental disease. Go for soft rubber toys or those designed for teething cats. They will help soothe their irritated gums and stop them from chewing on unsafe (or expensive!) household items.
2. Use Kitten Dental Treats Treats that have been formulated for oral care can help you stay on top of your pet’s dental hygiene while their adult teeth come through. Make sure they are approved for kittens and have the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal wherever possible.
3. Soften Their Food If your kitten is avoiding their regular dry food, try softening it with some warm water or switching to wet food. They’ll be able to get their appetite back without feeling discomfort at dinner time.
4. Don’t Give Them Human Dental Products Never use human toothpaste or hard chew toys. They can be toxic and even damage your kitten’s developing teeth.
5. Handle Them Gently Be patient when touching their face or checking around their mouth. Painful gums can make them extra sensitive. You’ll find a range of kitten-safe dental products and toys at Petbarn.

When to See the Vet

Teething is natural, but sometimes complications will crop up. If your kitten has baby teeth that don’t fall out while their adult teeth are trying to erupt, it can cause:

• Double rows of teeth.
• Overcrowding.
• Cracked or misaligned teeth.

Other warning signs include:

• Red, inflamed gums.
• Discharge from the mouth.
• Bad breath.
• Lack of appetite.
• Ongoing drooling or pain.

Any of these things might point to an infection or dental abnormality. If you’re concerned, book a dental check-up with your local vet as soon as possible.

What to Expect at a Kitten Dental Check-Up

During a dental exam, your vet will look at the development of your kitten’s teeth and gums, checking for:

• Malocclusions (misalignment of the teeth).
• Retained baby teeth.
• Adult teeth are growing in the right direction.
• Signs of gingivitis.
• Plaque and tartar build-up.
• Broken or fractured teeth.

If needed, your vet could recommend extractions, dietary changes or a professional dental scale and polish. It’s also a great time to ask questions about dental care for the rest of your pet’s life. Setting up good oral hygiene practices early on can eliminate a number of issues down the track.

Book a Cat Dental Check Today

Looking after your kitten’s teeth from a young age is one of the best things you can do for their lifelong health. For expert advice and ongoing care, book an appointment at your nearest Greencross Vets.

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