Have you recently welcomed a new kitten into your home and noticed they've begun teething? You might be filled with inquiries about what to anticipate during this stage and whether there are any remedies you can offer to ease their discomfort. Our vets at Rabun Animal Hospital can answer those questions for you.
When do Kittens Lose Their Baby Teeth
Kittens are initially born without visible teeth, but they begin to develop their first set at just three weeks old. These initial teeth, often referred to as milk or deciduous teeth, include the incisors and primary canines, followed by the remaining teeth shortly thereafter. Typically, kittens will have all their baby teeth by eight weeks, although some may develop them as early as six weeks.
Your kitten's baby teeth will all fall out by the age of three to four months, making room for adult teeth to break through the gums and grow. Generally, all your cat's adult teeth are in place by the time a kitten is 6 months old. Most adult cats have 26 baby teeth and 30 adult teeth. Try searching for images of the kitten teeth chart on your local search engine to get a better idea of what kitten teeth look like and how to tell how old a kitten is by teeth.
Signs Your Kitten is Teething
Many times when your kitten is teething you won't notice any changes in them. They won't act or eat differently during this time and the only reason you know that they are teething is that you find little teeth around your house. Your kitten may also swallow their baby teeth so don't be concerned if you don't find them all. But there are other times when your kitten reacts to teething. Some things to look out for are:
- Decreased appetite
- Excessive chewing
- Sore, red gums
- Slight bleeding of the gums
- Irritability
- Pawing at their mouth
It is important to look for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease, symptoms include extremely swollen or bleeding gums and bad breath.
Occasionally, kittens may have persistent deciduous teeth, meaning that some of their baby teeth did not fall out. This condition is rare but worth keeping watching out for because it could cause discomfort and need to be pulled out. Contact Rabun County vets if you have any questions about teething and teeth that may need help coming out.
How to Help Your Kitten
Now that you're aware your kitten is teething, you might consider offering assistance if they're experiencing any discomfort. Despite their teeth being pointy and sharp, you might assume it's painful for them as the teeth break through the gums. Surprisingly, kittens experience minimal pain during this process.
Much like children, your kitten may want to chew on something as they are teething to relieve any soreness they are having. You need to be careful when this happens because they will chew on anything they find lying around on the ground, including very dangerous power cords.
Another important aspect to consider when your kitten is teething is the safety of your houseplants. While many common houseplants are safe for kittens to nibble on, some can be toxic. Make sure to double-check that the plants in your home pose no danger to your kitten.
There are many different safe things your kitten can chew on if they need something. One safe chew toy for your kitten that you will have in your home is a washcloth. You can wet and then freeze a washcloth and give it to your kitten to chew on. Be careful though, it will leave a wet spot if left on your couch or floor.
Kitten chew toys, available at most pet stores, encompass options like rubber or soft plastic toys specifically designed for gentle chewing, as well as toys that can be chilled in the refrigerator for added relief. It's essential to supervise your kitten while they engage with these toys and adhere to the instructions provided for their safe usage.
Make sure to watch your kitten as they may in case they break the toy, broken pieces could be a choking hazard and need to be thrown out right away.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Kittens Teeth
It is always important to have good oral hygiene no matter the age. Dental infections or diseases can be common in kittens and cats but if you start a cleaning routine early enough your kitten will get used to it quickly and you will be able to help prevent plaque and tartar formation. It will also promote healthy gums, and reduce the risk of gingivitis and reduce bad breath.