Like humans, our feline companions have deciduous (baby) teeth that fall out before their permanent teeth come in. In this blog post, our Elk Grove vets explain kitten teething and how you can help alleviate any discomfort they may be experiencing.
When do kittens start teething?
At around three to four weeks old, kittens will get their first set of teeth. During this time, they will start weaning from their mother's milk and begin to eat wet food or dry kibble that has been softened with water. The emergence of a kitten's teeth is usually uneventful, but you might notice them chewing on toys or their siblings more than usual.
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
Kittens typically lose their baby teeth at around twelve weeks or three months of age. By the time they reach six months, they should have a complete set of 30 adult teeth, although some cats may take up to nine months to fully develop their adult teeth.
Taking good care of your cat's adult teeth is important as they will last their lifetime.
This includes daily brushing with cat-safe toothpaste, regular professional dental cleanings, and examinations. There are also dental treats available for cats to help prevent plaque buildup. Your vet can use your kitten's baby teeth to determine their age.
What are the most common signs of kitten teething?
Some signs that indicate your kitten may be teething include:
- Vocalizing more, from small to loud meows
- Increased chewing, especially on soft items
- Drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Chewing food more slowly
- Eating less
- Crankiness
- Hesitant to bite at or shake toys
- Pawing at mouth
Most of these symptoms should not be a cause for concern. However, it's important to keep an eye on your kitten. If you observe excessive bleeding, a complete lack of appetite, or any unusual smell from your cat's mouth, they could suffer from an infection. In this case, it's best to schedule an appointment with your vet to diagnose the issue professionally.
How to Help a Teething Kitten
Thankfully, several options are available to help your teething kitten. You can try to:
- Offer soft food; either a canned diet or kibble soaked in warm water
- Make sure they get plenty of interactive playtime with you to keep them busy and tire them out
- Make ice cubes of low-sodium chicken broth or diluted tuna juice for them to play with and chew on. The ice will soothe irritated gums. This is an especially popular item during hot weather!
- Provide soft toys to chew on
- Provide pet-safe cat grass for snacking
Discomfort is usually mild and should resolve itself. For extreme cases of pain, contact your veterinarian.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.