HOW MANY TEETH DO CATS HAVE? A GUIDE TO YOUR CAT'S DENTAL CARE

By: Door Buddy Editors      |     Published: 1 December, 2023

Picture this: your fluffy feline, the undercover ninja of your living room! Take a peek into her tiny mouth, and voilà! You'll find a kitty arsenal of teeth—some as sharp as a catnip-induced ninja star for hunting and others with a daintier vibe. Yep, just like us, cats are dental divas, flaunting an array of toothy talents that help them conquer their wild side and rule the domestic jungle!

Cats are fascinating creatures, and their dental health is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being. Understanding the number of teeth your kitty has and being aware of “paw-tential” issues, such as feline dental extractions and cat teeth loss, is essential for responsible pet ownership. In this guide, we'll explore the dental anatomy of cats and provide insights into maintaining ‘purrrfect’ cat dental care for your feline companion.

HOW MANY TEETH DO KITTENS HAVE WHEN THEY'RE BORN?

How many teeth kittens have at birth is a nuanced question, hinging on the definition of "teeth,". Tooth development

begins with the organization of tissues and the formation of rudimentary tooth buds even before a kitten is born.

However, kittens don’t have any teeth visible above the gum line at birth. It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks for a kitten's teeth to emerge, providing a biological delay that Mama Cat surely appreciates! Similar to ‘hooman’ little ones, kittens start with a limited number of teeth compared to adults, including:

-12 incisors

- 4 canines

-10 pre-molars

This totals 26 deciduous teeth.

HOW MANY TEETH DO ADULT CATS HAVE?

By the age of 6 months, a kitten typically undergoes the transition of losing all its baby teeth, making room for a complete set of adult chompers. That’s right, they lose their teeth just like kids! In contrast to kittens, adult cats boast molars, contributing to a total of 30 permanent teeth, categorized as follows:

- 12 incisors

- 4 canines

- 10 pre-molars

- 4 molars

Remarkably, a cat's oral structure is only two teeth shy of a human's mouth, regardless of the cat's breed or living conditions.

FELINE DENTAL EXTRACTIONS

In some cases, feline dental extractions become necessary due to severe dental issues or diseases. Cats may undergo tooth extractions to alleviate pain, prevent the spread of infection, or address issues like resorptive lesions. If your vet recommends a dental extraction, it's “im-paw-tant” to follow their advice for post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery for your furbaby.

CAT TEETH LOSS

Cat teeth loss can occur due to various reasons, including advanced dental disease, trauma, or congenital abnormalities. Keep an eye on your cat's behavior and appetite, as sudden changes may indicate dental problems, which can be pretty awful for your cat. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and address dental issues early, reducing the likelihood of tooth loss or the need for feline dental extractions.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING YOUR CAT'S DENTAL HEALTH

By now, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything you can do to PREVENT dental problems with your kitty. The answer is YES, it is paw-ssible!” Here’s how:

Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Don’t “pro-cat-stinate”! Schedule regular dental check-ups with your veterinarian to catch potential issues early.

Dental-friendly Diet

Feed your cat a balanced diet that promotes dental health, including dental treats or specially formulated cat food.

Brushing Routine

We’re not “kitten” around when we say you should brush your cat’s teeth! Introduce a regular teeth-brushing routine using feline toothpaste and a cat-friendly toothbrush.

Interactive Dental Toys

Give your kitty toys that have been designed for your cat’s dental care and encourage chewing and promote dental health.

CONCLUSION: HOW MANY TEETH DO CATS HAVE? A GUIDE TO YOUR CAT'S DENTAL CARE

Caring for your cat's dental health is a vital aspect of responsible pet ownership. By understanding the number and types of teeth your cat has, being aware of “paw-tential” issues like feline dental extractions and cat teeth loss, and implementing preventive measures, you can contribute to your feline companion's overall well-being and ensure they maintain a healthy, happy smile. Now that’s the cat’s “paw-jymas!”

CHECK OUT OUR MOST POPULAR CONTENT