How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

Curious about how many teeth cats have? Wondering if cats lose baby teeth? Look no further! In this article, BEACONPET has compiled 10 interesting facts about the number of teeth in cats and how they change throughout their lives. From the moment kittens are born toothless to the appearance of 26 baby teeth and finally the appearance of 30 permanent teeth, we explore the dental journey of our feline friends . Discover what happens when your cat’s baby teeth don’t fall out, the risk of periodontal disease, and how tooth loss affects your cat’s ability to eat. So if you want to learn about cat teeth and oral health, read on to discover all the secrets!

The 10 Facts on Cats Teeth

1. Like humans, kittens are born without teeth.

When kittens are born, they do not have any teeth. This is because they rely solely on their mother’s milk for nourishment in the first few weeks of life. Kittens do not need teeth during this time as they are nursing around the clock.

2. A kitten’s teeth begin to come in between 2 and 6 weeks of age.

Around 2 to 6 weeks of age, a kitten’s teeth will start to come in. These teeth are called deciduous teeth, baby teeth, or milk teeth. The first teeth to appear are the incisors, which are the tiny teeth in the front top and bottom of the mouth. This is followed by the canine teeth, also known as the “fangs”, and the premolars, which are the teeth right behind the canines.

3. How many teeth do cats have? A kitten has 26 baby teeth.

A kitten will have a total of 26 baby teeth. These temporary teeth will start to fall out around 11 weeks of age. You may find these tiny teeth on the floor or in your kitten’s food bowl, although sometimes the teeth are swallowed by the kitten as she eats. It is also normal to notice a small amount of bleeding from the mouth during this time.

4. Sometimes a cat’s baby teeth do not fall out like they are supposed to.

In some cases, a cat’s baby teeth may not fall out as they are supposed to. This condition is called “retained deciduous teeth”. When the baby teeth do not fall out, they can cause damage to the permanent teeth that are coming in. If your vet determines that the retained baby teeth are causing issues, they might recommend pulling them. This is often done at the same time as the cat’s spay or neuter surgery to minimize anesthesia exposure.

5. A kitten’s permanent teeth come in between 4 and 6 months of age.

Between 4 and 6 months of age, a kitten’s permanent teeth will start to come in. The incisors are the first to appear, followed by the canine teeth, premolars, and molars.

6. Back to the question — how many teeth do cats have…

Adult cats have a total of 30 permanent teeth. This includes the incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

7. Cats can develop periodontal disease.

Just like humans, cats can develop periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Without regular dental care, such as brushing their teeth at home or professional dental cleanings, cats are at risk of developing this disease. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and can also impact a cat’s overall health.

8. If your cat’s tooth becomes infected, your vet might recommend tooth extraction.

If your cat’s tooth becomes infected, it can be painful and can lead to further complications. In some cases, your vet might recommend tooth extraction to prevent the spread of infection and to alleviate your cat’s discomfort. Bacteria that develop into plaque and tartar can lead to tooth loss and damage to the structures that support the tooth, including bone loss and tooth mobility.

9. Tooth loss can also occur due to damage to the tooth.

Tooth loss in cats can also occur due to damage to the tooth. This can happen if the cat chews on something hard or experiences trauma, such as falling and hitting their teeth on something. In some cases, a veterinary dentist may be able to save a damaged tooth by performing a root canal.

10. What happens to cats who have lost a number of teeth?

Most cats can adapt well to tooth loss. Many cats are still able to eat dry food even with the loss of several teeth. However, it is ideal to retain as many teeth as possible as the teeth contribute to the strength of the jaw. Cats who have lost a significant number of teeth may require adjustments to their diet or dental care routine, so it is important to consult with your vet for guidance.

About the Author

Jackie Brown

Jackie Brown is a pet expert and writer/editor in the pet publishing industry. With 20 years of experience, she has a passion for animals and shares her knowledge through various publications. Jackie is a contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness and the author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases. She is also a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media. Prior to her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals, gaining hands-on experience in caring for various animals. She resides in Southern California with her family and poodle named Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.