How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

If you've ever been nipped by a cat before, you know it's not exactly a pleasant experience. But cats need their teeth to eat and play, so the fact that yours has teeth to nip with is actually a good thing.

You may be wondering how many teeth cats have, and how to best care for them. In this guide, we'll answer that key question and review some important tips on cat dental health.

Cat Teeth Number: Kitten Teeth vs. Adult Cat Teeth

Kittens usually have 26 baby teeth, while adult cats usually have 30 permanent teeth.

Here’s the breakdown for kittens:

• 12 incisors
• 4 canines
• 10 pre-molars

And here’s the breakdown for cats:

• 12 incisors
• 4 canines
• 10 pre-molars
• 4 molars

Usually, kittens start to develop baby teeth when they're two to three weeks old. The first teeth to come in are generally the incisors, followed by the rest, which commonly arrive around the six-week mark.

When kittens are three to four months old, they typically start to lose their baby teeth, starting with the incisors followed by the canines and then premolars. Their adult teeth tend to come in around the same time that their baby teeth begin falling out. By six months old, you can expect your cat to have all their adult teeth.

Types of Cat Teeth and Their Functions

As mentioned above, cats have several types of teeth, and each type has its purpose.

• Incisors are used for nibbling, grooming, and picking up small objects. Think of them as small scissors or tweezers that can cut through or grasp very fine objects.
• Canines are long, sharp teeth primarily used for grabbing and puncturing things (such as human skin, if you have a biter).
• Premolars and molars are used for chewing and grinding food.

Your cat's incisors can be found in the front of the mouth on both the top and bottom. The canine teeth are located next to the incisors, while the premolars and molars are in the back of the mouth.

Cats have issues with their teeth being misaligned just like humans. This can cause problems that throw off their bite and result in:

• Mouth injuries
• Gum disease
• Tartar and plague buildup
• Trouble eating
• Eventual tooth loss

If your cat's teeth are misaligned, it's important to consult your vet to see what treatment, if any, they recommend.

Do Cats Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Kittens usually start cutting teeth when they're two to three weeks old. There are certain signs that indicate that your cat is going through the teething process. These include:

• Increased chewing
• Drooling
• Avoiding play
• Swollen gums
• Poor appetite
• Slow eating

And if you're wondering what happens to those baby teeth when they fall out, the answer is that cats often swallow them. You can support your cat during teething by providing them with soft objects to chew on. You may also want to consider a switch to wet food if they're having difficulty eating.

If your cat is extremely irritable during teething and won't eat at all, it's important to contact your vet right away. They may be able to prescribe pain medication for severe cases. You should never give a cat human pain medication, as it can be toxic.

Common Dental Issues in Cats

As a pet owner, it's important to be on the lookout for signs of dental problems in cats. Here are a few to put on your radar.

• Tartar buildup and gingivitis. If you notice brown or yellow buildup on your cat's teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, or foul breath, these are all signs of tartar and gum disease. If things get really bad, you may notice that your cat has a poor appetite. Left untreated, tartar and gingivitis can lead to severe gum disease and tooth loss.
• Tooth resorption. Tooth resorption is when your cat's teeth break down and get reabsorbed by their bodies. It's a process that can be very painful for cats, marked by poor appetite due to discomfort and excess drooling. You may notice holes in your cat's teeth, broken teeth, or missing teeth.
• Bad breath. Halitosis in cats is caused by plaque and tartar buildup or gum disease. In some cases, it can come as the result of gastrointestinal problems or metabolic disorders. If you notice that your cat's breath stinks, it pays to consult your vet for advice.

It's important to be on the lookout for signs of oral pain in cats. These include:

• Poor or decreased appetite
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excess drooling
• Refusal to play
• Irritability
• Hiding

Why Cats Rarely Show Dental Pain

One of the trickiest things about identifying dental problems in cats is that they don't always show that they're experiencing tooth or oral pain. Cats, by nature, are creatures of survival, so showing weakness is not in their nature. You may have to be extremely vigilant and aware of signs of mouth pain in cats.

Pay attention to their eating habits and playtime routines and consult a vet if you notice big changes that last more than a day or two. Also, look for visual cues like discolored teeth, swollen gums, excess drooling, and bleeding. And if your cat suddenly develops bad breath, consider it a red flag.

How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth

One of the best ways to care for your cat's teeth is to brush them regularly. Aim to brush your cat's teeth two to three times a week, and make sure to be thorough and brush along the gunline. It’s a good idea to get your cat used to having their teeth brushed starting at the kitten phase, so they don’t object later.

If your cat doesn't tolerate tooth brushing well, you can supplement your brushing attempts with cat dental treats. And even if you are able to brush your cat's teeth thoroughly, there's no harm in giving cat dental treats, as they could help reduce plaque buildup and give your cat fresher breath.

If you're able to maintain a good oral care routine at home, then you may only need to take your cat for a professional dental cleaning once a year. However, if your cat is resistant to having their teeth brushed, then you may want to seek out professional care more frequently. Your best bet is to ask your vet what they recommend.