Understanding Your Kitten’s Teeth
Welcoming a kitten into your family is a time full of playful energy and plenty of learning for both of you. As your kitten grows, one of the most important (and sometimes overlooked) parts of their development is their teeth. Understanding your kitten’s teeth helps you provide comfort during teething, and set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Bowman Veterinary Hospital in Auburn, CA, is here to help you navigate this important milestone.
The Journey From Baby Teeth to Adult Cat Teeth
Kittens are born toothless and depend entirely on their mothers for nourishment. Around 2 to 3 weeks of age, their first tiny teeth, called kitten baby teeth or deciduous teeth, begin to emerge. By the time your kitten is about 8 weeks old, they’ll have a complete set of 26 baby teeth.
These sharp little teeth serve a big purpose by helping kittens transition from milk to solid food. But just as in human children, these baby teeth are only temporary. Around 3 to 4 months of age, they’ll begin to fall out as adult cat teeth push through. By 6 to 7 months, your kitten will have a complete set of 30 permanent teeth.
What To Expect During Teething
The teething process can be uncomfortable for your kitten, so it’s common to notice small changes in behavior. A few typical signs include:
- Increased chewing on toys, fingers, or household items
- Drooling or mild gum irritation
- Occasional bleeding as baby teeth loosen
- Mild bad breath or “kitten breath”
- Temporary crankiness or reluctance to eat dry food
Most of these symptoms are short-lived and nothing to worry about. However, if your kitten seems in pain, stops eating, or develops swollen gums, it’s best to check in with your veterinarian.
How To Help Your Kitten Through Teething
Teething doesn’t have to be stressful. There are several simple ways to make this phase easier (and save your furniture from becoming a chew toy).
Try these helpful options:
- Soft plush or rubber kitten toys that are gentle on gums
- Frozen washcloths for a soothing, crunchy texture
- Wet food or moistened kibble for easier chewing
- Supervised play to redirect chewing away unsuitable objects
These small steps can make a big difference in your kitten’s comfort and help prevent bad chewing habits from forming.
Introducing Dental Care Early
Even though those new teeth are small, it’s never too soon to start building healthy dental habits. Once your kitten feels comfortable being handled, gently introduce tooth brushing with a soft finger brush or cloth.
Use only toothpaste made specifically for cats—never human toothpaste, which can be toxic. Keep brushing sessions brief and positive, using praise or treats as rewards. Early, gentle exposure helps your kitten accept dental care as part of their normal routine.
Regular brushing not only keeps those kitten teeth and gums healthy but also sets the stage for maintaining adult cat teeth later on.
When To Call Your Veterinarian
Most kittens breeze through teething, but some may develop issues like retained kitten teeth: when a baby tooth doesn’t fall out before the adult tooth appears. This can lead to crowding or misalignment if not addressed.
You should schedule a dental exam if you notice:
- Persistent bad breath or bleeding gums
- Difficulty eating or dropping food
- Extra or overlapping teeth
- Pawing at the mouth or signs of pain
Your veterinarian can examine your kitten’s mouth, remove retained teeth if needed, and make sure their bite develops properly.
Building a Lifetime of Dental Health
Once all the adult cat teeth are in place, good dental habits should continue for life. Routine brushing, healthy food, and regular dental checkups will help prevent plaque buildup, gingivitis, and other dental problems that can affect your cat’s overall well-being.
Your kitten’s teething stage is short, but the habits you build now can last a lifetime. With a bit of patience, gentle care, and help from your veterinary team, your cat will enjoy strong, healthy teeth well into adulthood.
Support for Every Stage of Growth
Our veterinarians and staff at Bowman Veterinary Hospital are here to support your kitten’s health every step of the way. Call us at (530) 823-6306 to schedule a wellness visit and make sure your kitten’s teeth and overall health are developing beautifully.