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When will my kitten grow teeth?
Just like human babies, kittens are born completely toothless. Once your tiny feline furball is about 3 weeks old, their 26 baby teeth gradually start to emerge. These adorable “teefsies” are razor sharp which is why a kitten bite can hurt badly.
Luckily, it won’t take long for your little one to realize that they should be gentle with their newly acquired pearly whites.
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
A kitten’s milk teeth are replaced by adult teeth around the age of 4-6 months, and this period is usually marked by increased chewing activity. The adult teeth push out the baby teeth, which can cause some discomfort in your kitten.
Luckily, chewing helps relieve some of this pain, and although this behavior is commonly associated with puppies, kittens can do some damage while gnawing on your belongings as well.
To prevent frustration, make sure to hide your expensive shoes when you notice teething has set in!
When to visit the vet?
Teething can cause some painful swelling in the mouth, which might lower your kitten’s appetite and put them in a bad mood. This kind of discomfort usually passes quickly but if it still bothers your new feline after a few days, it would be best to contact the vet.
Kittens often swallow their baby teeth as they loosen from the jawbone and fall out. This is nothing to worry about, as it’s quite common in baby mammals, so your cat can digest these teeth without a problem.
You might however discover a milk tooth in your fur baby’s bed or near their toys, as these are prime spots for chewing. Kitten teeth make lovely keepsakes, so don’t just throw them out.
Adult cat teeth
Adult cats have 30 teeth: 16 in their upper jaw and 14 in their lower jaw. It might take some time for a kitten to lose all the milk teeth, but they should have a full set of adult teeth before the age of 9 months.
If your kitten still has a milk tooth at the time the corresponding adult tooth is erupting, especially the canine teeth (the ‘fangs’) don’t panic right away. The baby tooth will probably fall out by itself. Is the tooth still there after 2 weeks? Have it looked at by a veterinarian to prevent dental problems.
