Teething isn’t just a puppy problem—kittens go through it too! From tiny milk teeth to strong adult fangs, your kitten’s dental development follows a precise timeline. Medically speaking, teething is a natural process where a kitten’s baby teeth (also known as deciduous teeth) begin to emerge through the gums, usually starting around 2 weeks of age
In this blog, we’ll walk you through when kittens get their first teeth, when they lose them, how to tell a kitten’s age by looking at their mouth, and what to do about teething issues like bad breath. Whether you’re a new cat parent or just curious about feline development, this blog is your go-to source for understanding kitten teeth. Let's start with the basics
Are Kittens Born With Teeth?
No, kittens are not born with teeth; they are completely toothless at birth. This is a normal part of kitten development, as they rely solely on their mother's milk during the first few weeks. Around 2 to 3 weeks of age, they start to develop baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth. These teeth are important for the weaning process, helping kittens transition from nursing to eating solid food as they grow. The teething process occurs in a step-by-step process as discussed below.
Kitten Teeth Timeline: From Baby to Adult
Understanding a kitten's dental milestones is essential for tracking overall kitten development. Here is a clear timeline for the same:
- Birth ➤ Kittens are born with no teeth
- 2 to 4 Weeks ➤ Incisors erupt – Six on the top and six on the bottom (front teeth)
- 3 to 4 Weeks ➤ Canines erupt – Four total (one on each side of both upper and lower jaws)
- 4 to 6 Weeks ➤ Premolars erupt – Three on each side of the upper jaw, two on each side of the lower jaw
- 8 Weeks ➤ Kittens usually have all 26 baby teeth fully erupted.
How Many Teeth Do Kittens and Adult Cats Have?
Kittens develop 26 baby teeth (deciduous teeth) by the time they are 6 to 8 weeks old. As they mature, these are replaced by 30 permanent teeth in adulthood. So, if you're wondering how many teeth cats have or how many teeth adult cats have, the answer is 30. Cats have two sets of teeth in their lifetime—baby and adult. Following is a breakdown highlighting the difference in kitten teeth vs cat teeth.
Kitten Teeth vs Cat Teeth: Baby vs Adult Comparison
| Feature | Kitten Teeth (Baby Teeth) | Cat Teeth (Adult Teeth) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Teeth | 26 | 30 |
| Size & Shape | Small, sharp, and needle-like | Larger, stronger, and more robust |
| Strength | Fragile, not suited for heavy chewing | Durable, designed for tearing and chewing |
| Role in Eating | Helps transition from nursing to solid food | Efficiently chews and breaks down solid food |
| Role in Grooming | Minimal role in grooming | Assists in grooming and maintaining coat health |
Cat Teeth Age Chart: How to Tell a Kitten’s Age by Teeth
A kitten’s teeth are a reliable way to estimate its age, especially helpful for rescuers and new pet parents. The size and timing of tooth eruption can give clues about how old a kitten is:
- Incisors usually appear at 2–3 weeks of age
- Canines (pointed teeth) appear by 3–4 weeks
- Premolars come in around 4–6 weeks
- By 8 weeks, all 26 baby teeth are typically in place
- By 6 months, kittens usually have all 30 adult teeth
This dental timeline is a handy reference for identifying a kitten’s age based on its teeth. Now let us discuss the common kitten teething signs.
Common Kitten Teething Signs
Just like human babies, kittens go through a teething phase as their baby teeth come in and later fall out. This process can cause some discomfort, and your kitten may show subtle signs that something’s going on. Knowing what to look for can help you provide comfort and care during this stage. Here are some common signs that your kitten is teething:
- Visible tooth eruption or missing teeth: You might spot tiny new teeth coming in or occasionally find a baby tooth on the floor—though most kittens swallow them
- Increased irritability or facial rubbing: Teething can be uncomfortable. Your kitten may paw at their face, rub their cheeks, or seem fussier than usual
- Trouble eating: Crunchy food can be painful during this stage. Kittens might hesitate to eat, chew slowly, or drop food from their mouth
- Drooling: Like human babies, kittens may drool more when teething
- Bad breath: A mild but distinct ‘kitten breath’ is often noticeable while teeth are coming in
- Chewing behavior: Your kitten may chew on soft toys, blankets, or other objects to relieve gum irritation.
Common Kitten Teething Issues
During the teething phase, kittens often experience gum irritation, which may lead to increased chewing on objects like furniture, toys, or even fingers. This behavior is a natural way to relieve teething discomfort as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. Mild symptoms like drooling and a slight loss of appetite are common. However, if a kitten shows signs of excessive pain, bleeding gums, or refuses to eat or play, it may indicate a teething complication and should be examined by a veterinarian. Understanding these issues helps ensure a smooth and healthy teething process.
Tips to Soothe a Teething Kitten
Teething can be uncomfortable for kittens, but there are gentle ways to ease the process. Offer safe chew toys specifically designed for kittens to help massage their gums. A cold, damp cloth can also be soothing—just chill it in the fridge and let your kitten chew on it under supervision. For more persistent discomfort, ask your vet about vet-approved teething solutions that are both safe and effective. Apart from this, feeding kitten food for teething can also help in the long run. Here are two handpicked products for you to try:
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Dental S/O DSO 29 – Adult Dry Cat Food
Support your cat’s oral and overall health with Royal Canin Dental – a complete diet specially formulated for adult cats with oral sensitivity.
- Promotes oral hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar build-up.
- Unique kibble design encourages chewing and helps clean teeth.
- Helps control hairballs by aiding hair elimination through stools.
- Supports urinary health by creating an environment unfavorable to struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
Beaphar Dental Easy Treats – For Healthy Cat Teeth
- Tasty dental treats designed to support oral hygiene in cats
- Ideal for cats over 4 years, as 85% face dental issues like plaque and tartar buildup
- Chlorophyll-filled treats help clean teeth and neutralize bad breath
- Easy to administer and loved by cats for their flavor.
You can check out this blog on the Best dental cat food and choose the right one for you. It is highly recommended to use only under veterinary guidance. Transition gradually over 7–10 days. Apart from food, it's also crucial to maintain the oral hygiene of your cats. Here is a handpicked toothpaste kit.
Toothpaste Kit for Cats – Dual-Enzyme Formula
- Fish & poultry flavored toothpaste is ideal for both cats and dogs
- Mildly abrasive to effectively remove plaque buildup
- Features the CET Dual-Enzyme System to inhibit plaque-forming bacteria
- No rinsing required – safe to swallow after use
- Quickly neutralizes mouth odor for fresher breath.
Final Thoughts: Supporting Healthy Teeth for Life
While teething is a temporary phase, maintaining good dental health is a lifelong commitment. Start early by encouraging routine dental checks and promoting good oral hygiene habits. Monitoring your kitten’s mouth during teething helps prevent long-term dental problems. Click here to explore high-quality pet products for your kitten.
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