Like humans, kittens go through a natural phase in the first few months of life in which they lose their baby teeth and replace them with permanent teeth.
The age of a cat’s teeth affects their life. Cats use their teeth not only to catch and chew prey, but also to defend themselves. Cleaning their bodies and participating in daily activities are also important parts of their daily lives.
Many owners ask this question. When Do Cats Lose Their Baby Teeth? It is important to understand this process because kittens shed their teeth at different times, and their permanent teeth come in at different times.
We will discuss in detail the common symptoms seen during this period and how to care for your cat.
When Do Cats Start to Lose Their Teeth?
This important physiological process of losing a baby cat’s teeth usually begins at 12 weeks, or about 3 months, of age. Biologically, this change is the result of the rapid growth of permanent tooth buds within the gum bone.
As the roots of the permanent teeth begin to grow into the bone, they exert constant pressure on the roots of the primary teeth above them. This pressure activates specialized cells in the gum bone, called “odontoclasts,” or tooth-eating cells. These cells gradually dissolve the root of the primary tooth, which is called root resorption in biological terms.
When the root of the primary tooth is completely dissolved, only the outer crown of the tooth remains loosely attached to the gum, which falls off with the slightest friction or pressure. This process begins with the loss of the small front teeth, the incisors.
Overall Timeline of Cats’ Teething
The dental process in cats consists of two distinct stages: the eruption of primary teeth and their subsequent shedding and replacement with permanent teeth.
This entire process occurs in a specific order from birth to ages 7 to 9 months. The table below presents a detailed biological timeline of tooth eruption, shedding, and completion in kittens.
| Age Stage | Developmental Phase | Clinical Details & Erupted Teeth |
| At Birth | Edentulous Stage | Kittens are born without teeth, allowing them to nurse comfortably. |
| 2to4 Weeks | Deciduous Incisors Erupt | The small front baby incisors begin to emerge through the gums. |
| 3to4 Weeks | Deciduous Canines Erupt | The long, pointed baby canine teeth appear on either side of the incisors. |
| 4to6 Weeks | Deciduous Premolars Erupt | Baby premolars begin to erupt at the back of the mouth, helping kittens chew solid food. |
| 6to8 Weeks | Complete Baby Dentition | The kitten has a full set of 26 deciduous (baby) teeth. |
| 10Weeksto3 Months | Root Resorption & Tooth Shedding Begins | The roots of the baby incisors begin to dissolve, causing them to loosen and fall out as permanent incisors develop. |
| 4to5Months | Permanent Canines Erupt | Baby canine teeth are replaced by larger and stronger permanent canines. |
| 4to7Months | Permanent Premolars & Molars Erupt | Baby premolars fall out and are replaced by permanent premolars. The permanent molars also erupt for the first time. |
| 6to7Months | Complete Adult Dentition | All baby teeth have been replaced, and the cat has a full set of 30 permanent teeth. |
| 8to9Months | Delayed Eruption Window | In some cats, the final permanent teeth may finish erupting slightly later due to normal variation in development. |
At what age do cats lose their baby teeth?
The average age of eruption of milk teeth in cats starts at twelve weeks (3 months) and lasts until six to seven months of age.
Since this biological process occurs very quickly, on average, within fifteen to twenty weeks, a large part of the temporary teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth.
Medical observations have shown that the breed, genetic makeup, and general physical development of kittens directly affect eruption age.
Sometimes in kittens of small breeds, this process can last up to nine months, exceeding the usual age of seven months, and usually occurs without any serious pathology.
Since these teeth are extremely small and thin, they are often not found on the floor or bed after they fall out, because cats swallow them while eating, where they are dissolved by the acidity of the stomach and excreted without any harm.
How Many Times Do Cats Lose Their Teeth?
Cats only go through the teething process once in their lifetime. According to dental biology, cats are classified as “diphyodont” organisms, which have the genetic ability to develop only two sets of teeth.
Once the 26 temporary baby teeth fall out and are replaced by 30 permanent teeth, these adult cat’s teeth become permanent assets for the rest of the cat’s life. If a permanent tooth falls out in adulthood due to injury, infection, or bone weakness, it will never grow back.
Therefore, tooth loss from the mouth of an adult cat is always a sign of a serious disease or oral infection. The following table compares the anatomical formula and number of temporary and permanent teeth.
| Dental Category | Deciduous Dentition (Baby Teeth) | Permanent Dentition (Adult Teeth) |
| Total Teeth | 26 Teeth | 30 Teeth |
| Dental Formula | 2 × (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2) = 26 | 2 × (I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 1/1) = 30 |
| Incisors (I) | 12 (6 Upper / 6 Lower) | 12 (6 Upper / 6 Lower) |
| Canines (C) | 4 (2 Upper / 2 Lower) | 4 (2 Upper / 2 Lower) |
| Premolars (P) | 10 (6 Upper / 4 Lower) | 10 (6 Upper / 4 Lower) |
| Molars (M) | 0 (Kittens do not have baby molars.) | 4 (2 Upper / 2 Lower) |
Signs Your Kitten is Teething
When a kitten’s new permanent teeth are erupting, this process causes gingivitis, nervous tension, and anxiety. Although some cats go through this stage without any major symptoms, there are often noticeable changes in their behavior and physical condition.
The pressure from the permanent teeth on the inner tissues of the gums causes severe itching and pain, leading cats to constantly try to chew on hard objects, electrical wires, furniture, and human hands.
During this time, the salivary glands become more active, causing the mouth to produce saliva. Temporary bacterial growth and gum sores can cause a characteristic putrid or pungent odor to the breath, commonly known as “kitten breath.” Due to pain, cats repeatedly paw at their mouths or shake their heads from side to side to free themselves from loose teeth stuck in their gums.
Because of the painful chewing process, they avoid eating hard foods, chew food slowly, or drop food from their mouths, which can cause a temporary loss of appetite and weight loss.
The gum margins appear dark red and swollen, and fine spots of blood may be found in chew toys or water bowls. Cats also become irritable in general; they meow more, groom less, and sometimes show signs of anger when playing with toys due to pain.
Common Dental Problems In Cats That Cause Tooth Loss
Retained Deciduous Teeth:
Retained or Persistent Deciduous Teeth occur when permanent teeth erupt, but the baby tooth remains in place.
Usually, baby teeth fall out as the permanent teeth erupt, but if this does not happen, the permanent tooth may have difficulty erupting in the correct place and may erupt crookedly or at the wrong angle.
This problem is most common in the upper canines, though the lower canines and front teeth (incisors) can also be affected.
When baby teeth and permanent teeth are present together, a narrow space is formed between them, where food particles, plaque, and tartar easily accumulate. If not cleaned or treated in time, this can lead to gum disease and other dental problems.
If the lower primary canine remains in place, the permanent canine can hit the roof of the mouth, causing pain, mouth sores, and difficulty chewing.
If the primary tooth does not fall out even after the permanent tooth has erupted, the cat should be taken to the veterinarian. After examination, the veterinarian may recommend surgical extraction of the primary tooth under general anesthesia, if necessary.
In some cases, dental radiographs are also taken before or during the extraction to ensure the tooth’s root is completely removed and to prevent future infection or complications.
Periodontal Disease;
Periodontal disease is the most common disease of the teeth and gums in cats. It affects not only the gums but also the bone and other tissues that support the teeth. It is estimated that about 85 percent of cats over the age of six suffer from this disease to some extent.
The main cause of this disease is plaque, a soft layer formed by saliva, food particles, proteins, dead cells, and bacteria. If plaque is not cleaned regularly within about 72 hours, it hardens and becomes tartar (or calculus). Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed with a regular toothbrush and requires veterinary dental cleaning.
Tartar causes inflammation in the gums, leading to small spaces (gum pockets) between the gums and teeth. Bacteria grow rapidly in these areas, which can damage the gums, bone, and teeth over time. If not treated promptly, teeth can become loose and fall out.
Another common problem in cats is Tooth Resorption (FORL). In this disease, the body’s own cells slowly begin to destroy the inner part of the tooth (dentin). It is a painful disease that affects many cats, and in most cases, the only effective treatment is the removal of the affected tooth.
Some young cats, especially those between 7 and 10 months of age, can also develop Juvenile-onset Gingivitis. In this condition, the gums become very red, swollen, and bleed easily when touched.
This problem is relatively common in certain breeds, such as the Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Siamese, Somali, Persian, and Abyssinian.
If this disease is not treated promptly, permanent damage to the gums and bone can occur over time. Treatment may include regular dental checkups, professional dental cleanings, plaque control, and, if necessary, medications or other treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
As a Pet Owner, How to Help Them Through It?
It is normal for your kitten to have mild swelling, tenderness, and pain in their gums as they teethe. A few simple precautions can help them feel more comfortable during this stage
If your kitten is having trouble chewing hard foods, temporarily offer wet food or soften dry kibble in lukewarm water to put less pressure on their gums.
Provide safe, soft rubber or latex teething toys to satisfy their natural urge to chew. Avoid very hard toys, hard objects like bones or wood, as these can damage their teeth or gums.
- If their gums are swollen or sore, offer a cool, clean, wet cloth for a few minutes to chew on, but be sure to supervise your kitten during this time to ensure they do not swallow any of the cloth.
- If your cat is holding a toy in its mouth while playing, do not pull it forcefully, as this can damage the teeth or gums.
- If the gums are very sensitive or swollen, avoid brushing for a few days. Once the sensitivity has subsided, gradually reintroduce toothbrush brushing with cat-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful to cats.
- If your cat stops eating altogether, has persistent bleeding from the mouth, severe swelling, or if baby teeth do not fall out on time, see your veterinarian immediately.