Kittens, like human babies, go through a teething process as they grow. Understanding when kittens get their teeth and how their dental development progresses is essential for providing proper care. If you’re a cat owner, breeder, or simply curious about feline growth, this guide will walk you through the kitten teething timeline, signs of teething, and how to support a teething kitten.
Kitten Teething Overview: When Do Kittens Get Their Teeth?
Kittens start developing teeth at around 2 weeks of age, beginning with their baby teeth (deciduous teeth). By 6 weeks, they should have a full set of 26 baby teeth. These baby teeth eventually fall out, making way for 30 permanent adult teeth by the time they reach 6 months old.
To help you track your kitten’s dental development, let’s break it down step by step.
Kitten Teething Timeline: From Birth to Adulthood
1. Birth to 2 Weeks – No Teeth Yet
At birth, kittens are completely toothless. During this stage, they rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition.
🔹 What to Expect:
✔ No visible teeth
✔ Fully dependent on milk
✔ Eyes and ears still developing
2. 2 to 4 Weeks – First Baby Teeth Emerge
The teething process begins! The first teeth to appear are the incisors (the small front teeth). By the end of 4 weeks, the canines (fangs) and first premolars start coming in.
🔹 What to Expect:
✔ Tiny teeth emerging from the gums
✔ Kittens may start nibbling on soft objects
✔ Beginning to explore solid food
🔹 Teeth That Appear:
- 2-3 weeks: Incisors (small front teeth)
- 3-4 weeks: Canines (long, pointed teeth)
- 4 weeks: First premolars
3. 4 to 6 Weeks – Full Set of Baby Teeth
By 6 weeks, kittens should have all 26 baby teeth. These teeth are sharp and designed to help them transition from milk to solid food.
🔹 What to Expect:
✔ Kittens start eating solid food
✔ Playful biting and chewing behavior increases
✔ Weaning from mother’s milk begins
🔹 Teeth That Appear:
- 4-6 weeks: Premolars (back teeth used for grinding food)
4. 3 to 4 Months – Baby Teeth Begin to Fall Out
At around 12 weeks (3 months old), kittens begin losing their baby teeth as their permanent adult teeth start to push through. You might find tiny, lost teeth around your home or notice your kitten chewing more often.
🔹 What to Expect:
✔ Loose baby teeth
✔ Increased chewing and biting
✔ Mild gum sensitivity
🔹 Teeth Being Replaced:
- Incisors begin falling out first
- Canines and premolars follow shortly after
5. 4 to 6 Months – Adult Teeth Replace Baby Teeth
Between 4 and 6 months old, your kitten’s 30 permanent teeth fully replace their baby teeth. This stage is crucial for oral health, as any retained baby teeth can cause dental problems.
🔹 What to Expect:
✔ Full transition to adult cat food
✔ Chewing behavior decreases
✔ Any remaining baby teeth should fall out
🔹 Final Adult Teeth:
- Incisors, canines, premolars replaced
- Molars emerge (these were not present in baby teeth)
By 6 months of age, a kitten should have all 30 adult teeth, marking the end of the teething process.
Signs of Teething in Kittens
As kittens go through teething, they may show certain behaviors or physical symptoms. Here are some common signs:
1. Increased Chewing and Biting
Kittens may chew on furniture, toys, or even fingers to relieve gum discomfort.
2. Mild Gum Bleeding
It’s normal to see tiny spots of blood on chew toys as baby teeth fall out.
3. Drooling
Mild drooling is common during teething, but excessive drooling may indicate dental issues.
4. Pawing at the Mouth
Kittens may rub or scratch their mouth if their gums feel sore.
5. Loss of Appetite
Sore gums might make eating kibble uncomfortable.
6. Mild Bad Breath
Teething can cause temporary bad breath due to bacterial activity in the gums.
How to Help a Teething Kitten
While teething is natural, you can help make the process more comfortable for your kitten:
1. Provide Safe Teething Toys
🔹 Soft rubber cat toys
🔹 Freeze a wet washcloth for chewing
🔹 Chilled rubber rings for relief
2. Offer Soft or Moistened Food
🔹 If kibble is too hard, mix it with water or switch to wet food temporarily.
3. Keep Electrical Cords and Furniture Safe
🔹 Kittens may chew on cables, so hide or cover them to prevent accidents.
4. Gentle Gum Massage
🔹 Lightly massaging your kitten’s gums with a clean finger can help ease discomfort.
5. Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
🔹 Once your kitten has their adult teeth, start brushing their teeth regularly with a pet-safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
Potential Teething Problems & When to See a Vet
Most kittens go through teething without issues, but some problems may arise:
1. Retained Baby Teeth
- Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out properly, leading to double teeth in one spot.
- This can cause overcrowding, misalignment, or infections.
- If you see two teeth in the same space, consult a vet—extraction may be necessary.
2. Excessive Drooling or Bleeding
- A little drooling and gum sensitivity are normal, but constant drooling, heavy bleeding, or pus could indicate an infection.
3. Loss of Appetite or Difficulty Eating
- If a kitten stops eating due to pain, soft food and a vet check-up may be needed.
4. Severe Bad Breath
- Mild odor is normal, but strong foul-smelling breath could signal infection or gum disease.
Final Thoughts: When Do Kittens Get Their Teeth?
Kittens go through an exciting but sometimes uncomfortable teething process between 2 weeks and 6 months old. By 6 months, they should have all 30 adult teeth, marking the completion of their dental development.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✔ 2 weeks – First baby teeth emerge
✔ 6 weeks – Full set of 26 baby teeth
✔ 3-4 months – Baby teeth begin falling out
✔ 6 months – All 30 adult teeth are in place
By understanding these stages and providing proper care, you can help ensure your kitten grows into a happy, healthy adult cat with strong teeth! 🐱🦷
👉 Has your kitten started teething? Share your experience in the comments! 🐾