Why Kittens Lose Their Teeth: A Simple Explanation

Experiencing a kitten’s growth is a beautiful journey, as you get to see their personality evolve as they develop, showcasing traces of it once they reach adulthood.

But taking care of a kitten is not an easy thing! From addressing their dietary needs to knowing what types of food could harm them, there are many things you should be aware of when taking care of a young cat.

And although each kitten has a different personality, all kittens experience similar things as they develop, and one of those processes is the teething phase.

This article from Webvet aims to answer the question “Why are my cats teeth falling out?” and addresses topics including:

• What the teething phase is
• Why do kittens lose their teeth
• How to prevent dental issues
• And how to support your cat through the teething process

The Teething Phase in Kittens

You may be wondering, “Why do cats lose teeth?”

Just like human babies, kittens also experience a teething phase. Teething is a critical milestone in a kitten's life, as it plays a role in their growth and preparation for adulthood.

But what is teething, exactly? Well, teething is when kittens actually start to lose their baby teeth. As they grow, their baby teeth are gradually replaced by their permanent teeth.

A kitten’s baby teeth serve an important role in the early stages of their lives, especially in the adaptation process to eat solid food. However, as a kitten grows older, these baby teeth become insufficient at satisfying their dietary needs.

Cats are carnivores and their diets involve the consumption of a lot of protein and fats, which are found in meat. As a genetic need present in cats since ancient times, it is still present in domestic cats, and is the main reason behind this change.

When Does Teething Start?

Kittens frequently start teething at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The timing varies slightly between individuals, but by the time they are around 6 to 9 months old, most kittens will have their full set of adult teeth.

The teething process can be both exciting and challenging for people with kittens, as the kittens may exhibit specific behaviors and discomfort associated with teething. Being aware of the age range when teething begins can help you anticipate and address any issues that may arise in the process.

Signs of Kitten Teething

Kittens going through the teething process often display signs that will let you know that their little mouths are undergoing significant changes.

While every kitty’s response is unique, there are some common signs to look out for during the process:

• Chewing and Gnawing: This is probably the most common sign. Teething kittens often chew and gnaw on everything they can put in their mouths on. They may seek out objects to chew on, such as toys, cords, or even your fingers, as this alleviates the discomfort in their gums.
• Drooling: Excessive drooling is a frequent sign of teething. You may notice wet patches on their toys, fur, and bedding due to increased salivation. If you have another cat and they are wetter than usual, it might be a sign of their cat companion's teething phase.
• Irritability and Anxiety: Teething is an uncomfortable process for kittens. They become more irritable as a result. Being restless, more easily agitated, and less tolerant of handling is a sign that teething has begun.
• Crying or Meowing: Some kittens vocalize more during teething, expressing their discomfort through meows or cries.
• Swollen Gums: Check your kitten's gums for redness, swelling, or sensitivity. Swollen gums are a clear indication that they are going through the teething process.

Although most kittens go through teething without significant issues, some may experience more discomfort than others.

If you notice excessive swelling or bleeding or your kitten seems to be in extreme pain, consult a veterinarian for proper evaluation and advice.

Why Kittens Lose Their Teeth: Understanding the Teething Process

To understand why teething causes discomfort, it’s essential to know what the process is like. Teething involves several steps:

• Eruption of Baby Teeth: After 2 to 4 weeks, baby teeth start to emerge. These temporary teeth are smaller and finer than their permanent teeth and play a crucial role in the early stages of their lives, aiding kitties with baby nursing from their mother.
• Initial Tooth Loss: As kittens become 3 to 4 months old, they start losing their teeth. The roots of the teeth resorb, which means the teeth loosen from their sockets and eventually fall out. You may find some teeth laying around, but in some cases, kitties swallow their own teeth without any issues.
• Emergence of Permanent Teeth: As the baby teeth shed, the adult teeth start to emerge in their place. The incisors (front teeth) are the first to come in, followed by the canine teeth and premolars.
• Completion of Teething: Once the kitten is 6 to 9 months old, it should have its full set of adult teeth. Adult cats typically have 30 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars.

The teething process causes discomfort because of the amount of changes happening inside the kitten’s mouth. The sockets become sensitive after losing the baby teeth and then the gums expand to adapt for the adult teeth.

Once the adult teeth have completely emerged, the now-adult cat may have a hard time adapting to the changes and might still showcase some of the signs we discussed earlier.

Tips for Supporting Teething Kittens:

Now let’s talk about how you can help your kitten during the teething process. This will reduce discomfort and anxiety while also ensuring a smoother transition to adulthood. Here are some things you can do:

• Introduce Chewing Toys: Chew toys provide a safe option for chewing. They should be soft and flexible. Toys made of rubber or silicone materials are recommended, as they are gentle on their gums.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Hard or sharp may cause injury to your kitten's delicate gums, as they are often swollen. Avoid bones, hard plastic, or any objects with small parts that could be swallowed.
• Provide Comfort and Attention: Provide extra cuddling and attention during this time of discomfort. Your presence and reassurance can help alleviate stress and anxiety related to teething.

Remember: Every kitten is unique, and some may experience more discomfort than others during teething. Be patient and understanding, and offer tons of love and support to help your kitten deal with this important milestone in their growth.

Dental Care in Cats

After the teething process happens and your kitty becomes an adult cat, you will have to start worrying about maintaining dental health. After all, your cat won’t grow more teeth after its adult teeth, so you want to ensure they remain healthy for years to come.

Here are some reasons why dental care is vital:

• Prevention of Dental Issues: Regular dental care helps prevent common dental problems in cats, like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Early introduction to dental care reduces the risk of these issues happening and guarantees that your cat is comfortable with dental care practices.
• Pain Prevention: Dental problems are known for being extremely painful, even for cats. By maintaining proper dental hygiene, you minimize the risks of your cat experiencing oral pain and discomfort.
• Optimal Nutrition: When cats experience discomfort, they often suffer from loss of appetite. Healthy teeth and gums allow cats to eat properly and enjoy their food without problems. By doing this, you ensure they get the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and lifestyle.

If you want to introduce dental care to your cat, we recommend:

• Start Early: Introduce dental care as early as possible. Ideally, start when your kitten is still young, so they get accustomed to it from the beginning.
• Get the Right Supplies: Invest in a kitten-sized toothbrush and cat-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients that may be harmful to cats.
• Introduce Tools and Products: Allow your kitten to explore the toothbrush and toothpaste first. Let them sniff and play with these items to get used to their presence.
• Handle Your Cat with Care: When you start brushing, be gentle and patient. Use small circular motions on their teeth and gums.

Remember to be consistent with dental care. This way, you’ll get your cat used to the process. Provide positive reinforcement — like treats — to reward positive behavior.

Feature Photo by Engin Akyurt/Pexels

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