When you bring a kitten into your life, there's a lot to learn about their development and care, including their teething process. In this post, our Palmyra vets cover when kittens start teething, common signs to look for, and how to help your teething kitten.
When do kittens start teething?
Kittens typically start teething around the age of three weeks. This is when their baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, begin to emerge. By the time they are six to seven weeks old, most kittens will have a full set of 26 baby teeth. However, this is just the beginning of the teething process.
At around three to four months old, kittens start losing their baby teeth, making way for permanent adult teeth. This process continues until they are about six months old. During this period, a kitten's mouth undergoes significant changes, which can sometimes be uncomfortable or even painful for them.
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
When do kitten teeth fall out? At roughly 12 weeks or three months. By the age of six months, your cat should have a full set of 30 adult teeth, although some cats take up to nine months for all their adult teeth to come in.
Your cat's adult teeth will remain with them for their entire life, so taking good care of them is important! The best way to care for your cat's teeth includes daily brushing with cat-safe toothpaste and yearly professional dental cleanings and check-ups.
Additionally, there are dental treats available for cats that can help prevent plaque buildup. It's best to consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable dental care routine for your cat. Furthermore, your kitten's baby teeth can provide valuable information about their age; your vet should be able to determine a kitten's age by examining their teeth.
What are the most common signs of kitten teething?
Some signs that indicate your kitten may be teething include:
- Vocalizing more, from small to loud meows
- Increased chewing, especially on soft items
- Drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Chewing food more slowly
- Eating less
- Crankiness
- Hesitant to bite at or shake toys
- Pawing at mouth
Most of these symptoms should not be a cause for concern. However, you should still monitor your kitten. If you notice excessive bleeding, a complete lack of appetite, or any odd smell coming from your cat's mouth, they could be suffering from an infection. Make an appointment with your vet to have the issue professionally diagnosed.
How to Help a Teething Kitten
Thankfully, several options are available to help your teething kitten. You can try to:
- Offer soft food, either a canned diet or kibble soaked in warm water
- Make sure they get plenty of interactive playtime with you to keep them busy and tire them out
- Make ice cubes of low-sodium chicken broth or diluted tuna juice for them to play with and chew on. The ice will soothe irritated gums. This is also trendy item during hot weather!
- Provide soft toys to chew on
- Provide pet-safe cat grass for snacking
Discomfort is usually mild and should resolve on its own. If your cat experiences severe pain, contact your veterinarian.
Kitten Teeth Chart and Dental Milestones
Understanding the timeline of your kitten's teething can help you better care for them. A kitten teeth chart can provide a visual guide to when you can expect certain teeth to appear and fall out. Generally, here’s what to expect:
- Three weeks: Baby teeth begin to emerge.
- Six to seven weeks: Full set of 26 baby teeth.
- Three to four months: Baby teeth start to fall out, and adult teeth emerge.
- Six months: Most kittens have a full set of 30 adult teeth.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.