When Do Kitten Lose Their Baby Teeth and More?
Do you remember hiding your lost baby teeth beneath the pillow and waking to find the tooth fairy had visited you in your sleep? Well, cats do not understand the concept of the kitty tooth fairy, but they do lose their baby teeth or milk teeth, too. If you’ve noticed a gap or missing milk teeth, don’t panic, it’s normal. And they do have teeth ready to fill in those gaps.
What Are Kitten Milk Teeth?
Like humans, kittens aren’t born with any teeth. Why? They don’t need them to nurse and their momma cat is thankful they don’t.
After about two weeks, a kitten’s milk teeth will peep above the gumline. Usually, the tiny front teeth come in first. Then their larger teeth begin to appear about two weeks later. And within two more weeks, that’s right, more teeth! The last baby teeth that come in are your kitty’s premolars. In total, you can expect your kitten to grow 27 baby teeth.
These baby teeth don’t grow as big as their adult teeth will. They’re also somewhat translucent and they will all eventually become loose and come out.
Milk teeth are thin and needle-like. If you’ve ever been bitten by a kitty, you’re probably aware of this. These sharp teeth aren’t fun for your kitten’s mother, either. They poke, jab, and can even cut her nipples. This encourages the mother cat to discourage her kittens from nursing and begin the meaning process. And lucky for the kittens, their teeth are ready for solid food!
When Can You Expect Your Kitten to Lose Her Teeth?
It took six weeks to grow those adorable little milk teeth, but they don’t last long. Kittens begin to lose their baby teeth six weeks after their last baby teeth appear. Which means your kitty will begin shedding those milk teeth at about 3 months of age.
By the time your kitty is six months old, she will have lost all of her baby teeth.
What Happens When Your Kitten Loses Her Teeth and How Can You Help?
Your kitty’s milk teeth are deciduous, which means they are not meant to be permanent. She has a fresh set of permanent adult teeth under her milk teeth. As the adult teeth develop and grow, they push the baby teeth outward and breaking down the existing root, this causes the baby teeth to loosen.
When your cat’s mouth prepares to lose teeth, her gums may get sore and redden. She may struggle to chew on hard food. But she has a natural instinct that makes her want to chew on toys and other items.
To help your kitten feel her best during the teething process
- Provide her with positive chewing opportunities with toys and soft treats
- Feed your kitty wet food which will be easier for her to chew
- Don’t play rough with your kitty
- Avoid bumping or brushing against your kitty’s mouth
What Is It Like When Your Kitty’s Teeth Come Out?
Most cat parents don’t even notice their kitties losing their teeth. You may notice a missing tooth and an area that appears raw where the tooth was. This where the new tooth will grow in. Other evidence of lost teeth is the teeth themselves. You may find a tooth stuck in a toy mouse or a cushion. But these teeth are tiny and can be difficult to see.
The process is similar to when her baby teeth first appeared. Her front teeth will likely grow in first followed by her incisors about a month later and canine an additional 4 weeks after.
Your kitty’s molars take a bit longer. Your cat’s molars should be in place by the time she’s an adult.
Signs of Kitty Dental Issues
If your cat’s adult teeth grow in and her milk teeth remain, you will need to bring her to the vet to have the baby teeth removes. If they are left, the adult teeth may not grow in correctly. And these extra teeth can trap food and cause early dental problems like cavities and excess plaque.
Milk teeth, teething, and adult teeth are all natural. Your kitty’s adult teeth should be strong, white, and clean. Set her up for success by providing her with kitty dental chews, treats, and vet visits.
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— Meow for now —