Have you ever thought about your cat’s teeth? How many of his teeth have fallen out, or are they all complete? And if so, how many are they?
It could also be that your cat is not eating or having difficulty eating due to tooth loss, or your cat has a dental problem or bad breath, which is why you want to know how many teeth does your cat have so that she can treat it?
If you consider your cat’s tooth loss to be insignificant and ignore it, your cat may stop eating and develop another infection, which could lead to weight loss.
How many teeth a cat has depends on its age. If your cat is a kitten, it may have 26 teeth. If your cat is an adult, it may have 30 teeth.
It is normal for a baby cat to lose teeth. If an adult cat is losing teeth, it is not normal, so it will be very important that you get them checked out.
Kitten Teeth: The First Set
Kittens are born with no teeth at all. Their baby teeth begin to appear between 2 and 4 weeks of age, starting with the tiny incisors at the front of the mouth.
By around 8 weeks old, all 26 baby teeth are usually in place. These include 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 10 premolars, but no molars yet.
Baby teeth are smaller and much sharper than adult teeth. They help young cats start chewing solid food and practice basic biting behaviors.
When Do Kittens Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Between 3.5 and 4 months of age, a kitten’s baby incisors start to fall out and get replaced by adult incisors. The canines and premolars follow between 4 and 5 months.
Most owners never find these tiny fallen teeth. Kittens usually swallow them while eating, which is completely normal and harmless.
By around 6 months of age, a kitten will have their full set of 30 adult teeth. If baby teeth stick around too long, it can cause crowding and other problems worth getting checked.
Adult Cat Teeth: The Full Set
Once the adult teeth are fully in, a cat’s mouth is built for hunting and eating meat. Adult cats have 30 teeth in total. These teeth are stronger, larger, and designed to handle a variety of tasks, from chewing kibble to grooming their fur.
Your cat has 16 teeth on their upper jaw and 14 teeth on their lower jaw. Each group of teeth does a different job, and they all matter.
Types of Teeth in Adult Cats
Incisors are the 12 small teeth at the very front of the mouth. They help with grooming, picking up objects, and making small, precise cuts.
Canines are the 4 sharp fangs people notice most. The main function of canines is to grasp food. If your cat was an outdoor hunter, they’d use their fangs to snag their prey.
Premolars are the 10 serrated teeth along the sides of the mouth. They slice and shear food into smaller pieces before it gets swallowed.
Molars are the 4 flat teeth at the very back. They crush harder foods and help complete the chewing process.
Common Dental Problems in Cats
Dental issues in cats are more common than most people expect. If you notice brown or yellow buildup on your cat’s teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, or foul breath, these are all signs of tartar and gum disease.
Left untreated, gum disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and difficulty eating. A cat in dental pain often stops eating properly, which affects their overall health fast.
Signs Your Cat May Have a Dental Problem
Pawing at the mouth is one of the clearest signs that something is wrong. Dropping food while eating, sudden bad breath, or refusing to chew hard kibble are all red flags.
Tooth resorption is when your cat’s teeth break down and get reabsorbed by their bodies. It is a process that can be very painful for cats, marked by poor appetite and excess drooling.
If you also notice your cat a lot or frequently, it could sometimes connect to oral or upper respiratory issues worth checking with a vet.
How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth
Brushing is the most effective thing you can do at home. Aim to brush your cat’s teeth two to three times a week, and make sure to be thorough and brush along the gumline.
Use toothpaste made specifically for cats. Human toothpaste has ingredients that are toxic to humans and should never be used.
Starting dental care during the kitten phase makes a big difference. Cats that get used to having their mouth touched early on are much easier to brush as adults.
Professional cleanings once a year help remove tartar that brushing cannot reach. Your vet can also catch early signs of disease before they turn into bigger problems. While you are at the vet, it is also worth checking for ear mites and other common issues to keep your cat in full health.
FAQs
How many teeth does a cat have?
Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth. Kittens start with 26 baby teeth, which fall out between 3 to 6 months and get replaced by the full adult set.
Do kittens lose their baby teeth?
Yes, they do. Baby teeth start falling out around 3 to 4 months of age. Most kittens swallow them, so you may never find them on the floor.
What happens if a cat loses a tooth?
It depends on the cause. Tooth loss can occur due to dental disease or injury. If you’re noticing missing teeth, it’s a good idea to contact your vet for an evaluation.
Why does my cat have bad breath?
Bad breath usually points to plaque, tartar, or gum disease. In some cases, it can also signal a digestive issue. A vet check is the fastest way to find the cause.
How often should I brush my cat’s teeth?
Two to three times a week is a good target. Daily brushing is even better if your cat tolerates it. Starting young makes the habit much easier to build.