Basic Facts About Cat Teeth

1 Overview

1. Cat tooth growth stages

Growth has two phases: baby teeth and permanent teeth. Baby teeth come in around two months, 26 in total. By about six months the kitten finishes teething; by eight months the permanent set of 30 is complete.

2. Teething

From the fourth or fifth month, teething begins. Owners can check for slightly red gums – a sign. A teething cat may lose appetite; switch to softer food or soak kibble. It will chew everything from itch – give dental sticks and chew toys so it doesn’t bite randomly.

3. Dental care

Regular brushing or professional cleaning keeps teeth healthy and bright. Dental problems damage the tooth, gum, bone and tissue, even causing loss. Disease breeds bacteria and inflammation; gum bacteria can enter the blood and harm the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver.

Start dental care young. Hard kibble and chew toys help clean teeth; pet toothpaste and brushes are widely available – brush regularly. Brush thoroughly at a 45-degree angle as with people; the cat resists at first but adapts with patience.

A cat’s teeth matter as much as ours. The 4-6 month teething phase matches an 8-year-old child’s; from age ten a cat’s teeth start falling out. Owners should watch their pet’s oral health so it keeps a good set of teeth.