Do Cats Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Like humans, a cat goes through two sets of teeth in its lifespan. Deciduous teeth are commonly called baby teeth because kittens develop and lose them before they become adult cats with permanent teeth.

  1. Time Frame

    • Kittens develop deciduous teeth between two and four weeks of age, notes Pet Education. They begin to lose these baby teeth after three or four months.

    Characteristics

    • Cats have 26 baby teeth—14 in the upper jaw and 12 in the lower, notes Pet Education. Kittens grow a total of 12 incisors, three on either side of the upper and lower jaws, notes HealthyPet U. Next come two upper and lower canine teeth, or fangs, six upper pre-molars and four lower pre-molars.

    Considerations

    • Kittens can experience discomfort when either set of teeth comes in, notes HealthyPet U. The gums may get sore, making it hard for kittens to eat or play. It is normal for cats to swallow some baby teeth as they fall out.

    Treatment

    • Give your kitten a pet teething ring to ease soreness or soak and freeze a small rag for it to play with, suggests HealthyPet U. Provide soft food and avoid brushing your cat's teeth.

    Warning

    • Rarely a baby tooth fails to dislodge after permanent teeth have grown in, notes HealthyPet U. Alert your vet, who may need to extract the baby tooth.