Do Kittens Lose Their Teeth?

Some animals lose their baby teeth the older they get, but do kittens lose their teeth? The answer is yes, kittens do lose their teeth! Don’t be alarmed if you notice that your kitten is toothless, we promise that their adult teeth are pushing through soon.

Common Questions about Kittens Losing Their Teeth

Kittens, like puppies, are born without teeth. Instead, during the first few weeks outside of their mother’s womb, they begin to grow baby teeth. These teeth are temporary and weaker compared to their larger adult teeth. Truthfully, many cat owners don’t notice when their kittens are losing their teeth because it occurs quietly.

That being said, there are some common questions that revolve around kittens losing their teeth that pet parents should know the answers to. By being aware of these questions and the answers to them, you will understand more about what your kitten is going through and if it’s normal.

If you have any concerns or questions about your kitten, you should always consult with a veterinarian in Wilton, NY, as they will help make sure your pet gets the care they need.

When Do a Kitten’s Baby Teeth Start Growing In?

Kittens go through a lot of changes within the first few months of life. They look wildly different from when they were first born. Newborn kittens have eyes that are closed until they reach about a week old. These cute kittens need all the help they can get!

Not only can they not see, but kittens cannot eat on their own either. They don’t start possessing baby teeth until they are approximately three weeks old. These teeth are also delicate, it would not be good to try and feed them hard adult cat food.

Why Do Kittens Lose Their Teeth?

Kittens lose their teeth because their adult teeth are growing underneath their baby teeth. It is a similar process to what we are used to with human kids. The larger adult tooth pushes against the baby tooth, which makes it loose. Over time, the baby tooth moves out of place and is replaced by the adult tooth.

It might seem concerning to have a kitten with teeth falling out, but this is normal! Baby teeth are not as strong or as big as adult teeth. On average, kittens have about 26 temporary teeth that fall out by the age of six months.

When Do Kittens Start Gaining Their Adult Teeth?

All cats are different! Some kittens don’t begin growing their adult teeth until all of their baby teeth have fallen out. On the other hand, some kittens will start gaining their adult teeth while their baby teeth are still falling out. This process can cause pain and discomfort because the adult teeth are pushing against the baby teeth.

3 Tips to Keep in Mind About Kitten Teething

Now that we’ve answered the question, “do kittens lose their teeth,” and talked about what happens when your kitten starts losing their teeth, it’s important to know what to do when your kitten starts teething. By knowing the tips below, you can help make this process as comfortable as possible for your pet.

Follow these kitten teething tips to set your pet up for success:

Feed Your Kitten the Right Type of Food

Until your cat hits six months old, you should only feed your kitten food for young cats. This food is not as hard on your cat’s teeth, which prevents their baby or kitten teeth from chipping.

Although a chipped tooth is not painful, it does make it harder to eat. If your kitten loses their teeth before the adult ones are ready to grow, it can affect how they eat.

If you are not ready to give your adult cat hard food, you can also give them canned cat food.

Brush Your Kitten’s Teeth

Another helpful tip for kitten teething is to brush your cat’s teeth. The key to helping your cat live a long and healthy life is through their teeth! It is not easy brushing a kitten’s teeth, but it is also not impossible. If you don’t keep up with your pet’s dental hygiene, you could ruin their teeth and cause problems for the future.

If your kitten is not letting or wanting you to brush their teeth, you can try and help convince them by using treats and calming toys. Start brushing their teeth young, with a vet approved brush and product. Never give your cat the toothpaste we use, as it can cause stomach problems if they swallow it.

You can also schedule your kitten to have professional cat teeth cleaning done, if this would be an easier experience for you and your pet.

Contact a Veterinarian if Your Kitten is in Pain

If their teeth start growing on top of each other, it could be painful and open an area for bacteria to grow. If you suspect that your kitten is in pain because of teething, you should talk to your local veterinarian to find a solution that works for them.

Sometimes, your veterinarian may prescribe a type of painkiller, if it’s the best option for your pet. Other times, if the condition is severe enough, your kitten’s vet may suggest an extraction of their baby teeth. This procedure decreases the likelihood of your kitten’s teeth growing under each other and can help with their pain in the long run.

Since Kittens Do Lose Their Teeth, What Should I Do?

Overall, kittens lose their teeth as they reach 2-6 months old. Adult cat teeth replace the smaller and more fragile kitten teeth. Keep in mind that the process is natural, normal, and rarely ever painful. Experts do recommend keeping an eye on your kitten as they begin to lose their teeth.

If you have any concerns about your kitten losing their teeth, or if you want to know more information about the question “do kittens lose their teeth,” contact Saratoga Veterinary Hospital at (518) 587-3832. Our team is available to help you and your pet get through this stage of life by offering expert and compassionate advice.