The PDSA states that kittens’ baby teeth, also known as deciduous or temporary teeth, first start to appear at around 3 weeks of age. The lateral incisors and first canine teeth come in first, followed quickly by the others. By the time your kitten is 6 weeks old, all 26 baby teeth should have emerged. All of these baby teeth will fall out by the time they are 3-4 months old, making room for the adult teeth. By the time your kitten is 6 months old, they should have a total of 30 adult teeth.
What are the signs of teething in kittens?
When kittens are teething, you may not even notice that their teeth are falling out until you see a tooth on the floor or in your cat’s bed. The PDSA says this is normal. Don’t worry! Most kittens swallow their tiny teeth, but this is nothing to worry about. It won’t hurt them.
You may also notice these common signs of teething in cats:
- Decreased appetite or being cautious around food
- Excessive chewing
- Sore, red or slightly bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Tension
- Don’t put your paw in your mouth
- Less cleaning
Sometimes kittens have permanent baby teeth, meaning some of their baby teeth don’t fall out. This is rare, but it’s worth noting; your kitten may need some of their teeth extracted. Another possible problem is teeth growing too close together, which can increase your cat’s risk of gum disease. If you notice any crowding, consult your veterinarian so your feline friend can get the treatment he or she needs right away.
Helping a Teething Kitten
Do kittens experience much pain when teething? There is certainly some physical discomfort as the sharp teeth try to push through the gum, but according to the PDSA, most cats don’t seem to be bothered by the situation.
However, your kitten will look for ways to relieve the pain and irritation caused by teething. He may try to use you as a chew toy, but this is not good for either of you. In this case, redirection is needed, as with any other aggressive cat play .
You can buy toys that are suitable for kittens to chew, such as toys made of rubber or soft plastic that are easy to chew, and toys that you can put in the refrigerator. To keep your kitten safe, you should be present when they play with the toy, always follow the instructions for the toy, look out for damage to the toy, and throw away damaged toys immediately.
Your kitten may try to chew on furniture legs or electrical cords. This behavior can damage your belongings, but more importantly, it can endanger your cat. To prevent accidental injuries from harmful chewing behaviors, the PDSA recommends keeping any dangerous objects covered and out of reach.
Teething kittens may prefer canned food or dry food soaked in water if their gums are sore. As an adult cat, you may consider giving cat food formulated to maintain oral health, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Importance of Oral Hygiene for Kittens
Cats, like humans, are susceptible to gum and oral disease. According to Cats Protection and PDSA , if you don’t check your cat’s mouth every day, signs that could indicate a gum or dental problem include:
- Bad breath
- Pain (your kitten may be constantly putting its paw in its mouth, making noise, or eating with difficulty)
- Compensatory eating habits, such as chewing on one side or preferring soft food
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Salivation
- Visible dental tartar
- Red, painful, swollen or bleeding gums
- Loose tooth
- Swelling of the face, jaw and cheeks
- Reluctance to clean yourself
- If you maintain your cat’s oral health while she’s young, you can help prevent some of these problems from occurring in the future.
You can also help prevent dental problems by establishing an oral care routine with regular checkups and brushing. This can reduce healthcare costs and problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth decay.
Your kitten may not be able to cope with the teething process, so be sure to give him lots of love, support, and patience while his new teeth come in.