How Many Teeth Does a Cats Have?

Cats, like many mammals, have a set of teeth that are crucial for their survival, aiding them in eating, hunting, and self-defense. Understanding the number and types of teeth cats have can provide insight into their health and behavior.

 

How Many Teeth Do Kittens Have?

Kittens typically have a total of 26 baby teeth. These teeth start to emerge when the kitten is around two to three weeks old and are usually all in place by the time they are six to eight weeks old.

Breakdown of Kitten Teeth:

• 12 Incisors: 6 upper and 6 lower. These small teeth are located at the front of the mouth and are used primarily for grooming and picking up small pieces of food.
• 4 Canines: 2 upper and 2 lower. These pointed teeth are essential for gripping and tearing food.
• 10 Premolars: 6 upper and 4 lower. Located behind the canines, premolars help in shearing and slicing food.

 

Do Cats Lose Baby Teeth?

Yes, cats do lose their baby teeth. Just like humans and many other mammals, cats go through a phase where their deciduous (baby) teeth are replaced by permanent adult teeth. This process is an essential part of their development and typically occurs during the first few months of their life.

 

3-4 Months Old: Kittens begin to lose their baby teeth around three to four months of age. The first teeth to fall out are usually the incisors, which are the small teeth located at the front of the mouth. This marks the onset of the teething process.

4-6 Months Old: During the middle stage of teething, between four and six months, kittens lose their canines and premolars. This stage can cause some discomfort, leading to increased chewing behavior as kittens seek to relieve the irritation in their gums.

6-7 Months Old: By the time kittens are six to seven months old, they typically have lost all their baby teeth. This marks the completion of the teething process, making way for a full set of 30 permanent adult teeth. These include 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars, which are essential for their dietary needs and overall health.

 

Teething can be an uncomfortable process for kittens, and it’s important for cat owners to recognize the signs to provide appropriate care. Here are some common signs of teething in cats:

• Increased Chewing: Kittens often chew on various objects, including toys, furniture, and even your fingers, to help alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with teething. Providing suitable chew toys can help redirect this behavior.
• Drooling: Excessive drooling is another sign of teething. The increased saliva production is the body's response to the irritation and discomfort in the gums.
• Mild Bleeding: You might occasionally notice a small amount of blood on your kitten’s chew toys or in their mouth. This is normal and occurs as the baby teeth fall out and the adult teeth begin to emerge.
• Loss of Appetite: Teething can make eating uncomfortable for kittens. You may observe a decreased interest in food or a preference for softer foods that are easier to chew.
• Irritability: Teething can cause pain and discomfort, making kittens more irritable or restless than usual. They might be less playful or more vocal due to the discomfort.
• Swollen or Red Gums: Examine your kitten's mouth for swollen or red gums, which are common indicators of teething. The gums may appear slightly inflamed as the new teeth push through.

 

How Many Teeth Do Adult Cats Have?

Adult cats typically have a total of 30 permanent teeth. These teeth are well-suited for their carnivorous diet, aiding in gripping, tearing, and chewing their food.

Types of Teeth in Adult Cats

• Incisors (12 teeth): Cats have 6 incisors on the top and 6 on the bottom. These small teeth are used primarily for grooming and picking up food.
• Canines (4 teeth): Also known as fangs, cats have 2 canines on the top and 2 on the bottom. These long, sharp teeth are used for hunting, gripping, and tearing food, as well as for defense.
• Premolars (10 teeth): There are 6 premolars on the top and 4 on the bottom. These teeth help in shearing meat and breaking down food into smaller pieces.
• Molars (4 teeth): Cats have 2 molars on the top and 2 on the bottom. These teeth are used for grinding food, although cats primarily consume a meat-based diet that doesn't require much grinding.

 

What Do I Do if My Cat’s Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out?

If your cat's baby teeth don't fall out as their adult teeth start to emerge, this condition, known as retained deciduous teeth, can lead to dental issues like overcrowding, misalignment, and an increased risk of plaque buildup. The first step is to schedule a veterinary appointment. A thorough dental examination will be conducted to assess the situation and identify any complications such as gum inflammation or tooth misalignment.

In most cases, the recommended treatment for retained baby teeth is extraction. This procedure helps prevent overcrowding and potential dental problems and is usually performed under anesthesia. Post-extraction care involves monitoring your cat for signs of discomfort, providing soft food until healing occurs, and administering any prescribed medications.

 

How Often to Brush a Cat's Teeth

Regular tooth brushing is crucial for maintaining your cat's oral health and preventing dental problems. Ideally, you should brush your cat's teeth daily to effectively remove plaque and prevent it from hardening into tartar. If daily brushing isn't feasible, aim to brush their teeth at least three times a week to maintain good oral hygiene.

Tips for Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth:

• Start Early: Introducing tooth brushing when your cat is young helps them get used to the process, but it’s never too late to start.
• Use the Right Tools: Choose a toothbrush specifically designed for cats and use pet-safe toothpaste, as human toothpaste can be harmful to cats.
• Gradual Introduction: Allow your cat to get used to the taste of the toothpaste by letting them lick a small amount from your finger before using the toothbrush.
• Be Gentle and Patient: Gently lift your cat’s lip and brush in small, circular motions, focusing on the outer surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. Keep initial sessions short.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with praise, petting, or a small treat after each brushing session to create a positive association.

 

Common Cat Teeth Problems

Cats are prone to several dental issues that can significantly impact their health. One of the most common problems is periodontal disease, which starts with plaque buildup that hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis and, if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, causing tooth loss. Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen gums, bad breath, drooling, and difficulty eating. Gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease, involves gum inflammation due to plaque buildup and is reversible if treated promptly.

Tooth resorption is another prevalent issue, where the body breaks down and absorbs the tooth structure, leading to pain and discomfort. Cats suffering from tooth resorption may exhibit symptoms such as red or swollen gums, pain when eating, and increased salivation. 

Stomatitis, a severe inflammation of the mouth and gums, causes extreme pain and difficulty eating, often related to immune system issues. Additionally, cats can suffer from broken or fractured teeth due to trauma, leading to pain and potential infection. Retained baby teeth, where the deciduous teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth emerge, can cause overcrowding and misalignment, requiring veterinary intervention.

 

How to Keep Cats' Teeth Clean Without Brushing

Maintaining your cat's dental health without brushing can be achieved through several effective methods. Here are some strategies to help keep your cat's teeth clean:

Dental Treats and Chews

Dental treats and chews are designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup as your cat chews. Look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval to ensure effectiveness.

Dental Gels and Sprays

Dental gels and sprays, which can be applied directly to the teeth and gums, help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup. These topical solutions are often easier to apply and may be more acceptable to your cat than brushing.

Raw Bones

Providing raw bones, appropriately sized and safe for cats, can naturally clean teeth as they chew. Always supervise your cat to prevent choking or dental fractures, and consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the number and types of teeth a cat has, from their kitten stage to adulthood, highlights the importance of dental care in their overall health. With 26 baby teeth and 30 adult teeth, each serving specific functions, maintaining proper dental hygiene through regular care and veterinary visits is essential for your cat's well-being.