Cats may be famous for their bright eyes or soft coats, but there’s something just as important hiding behind those whiskers: their teeth. A cat’s teeth are important to its everyday routine, from grooming to eating.
Healthy teeth are essential, but they’re sometimes the most overlooked part of a cat’s overall care. While cats can groom themselves, they can't clean their teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth loss are just some of the many potential problems.
But first, we have to talk about the teeth, starting with how many teeth cats have.
What Are Cat Teeth?
Cat teeth are the small but powerful tools they use every day. These are specialized structures that are used for a variety of functions. This includes grooming, eating, playing, or even defending.
There are four main parts of a cat's teeth.
Enamel. The hard outer layer of the tooth that protects it. It’s the hardest substance in the cat’s body, mineralized tissue that does not grow back when damaged.
Dentin. After enamel, there’s dentin, a dense but slightly softer layer that makes up most of the tooth’s structure.
Pulp. The pulp is the sensitive center of the tooth because it contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. Essentially, it's the living part of the tooth that keeps it nourished and responsive.
Cementum. The thin layer that covers the root of the tooth and anchors it firmly to the jawbone. It’s just like a glue that holds the teeth.
How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?
Cats generally have 30 teeth by the time they reach adulthood, while kittens have 26 baby teeth. The permanent teeth are usually in place by the time the cat reaches the age of 6 months. These are the types of teeth cats have:
Incisors
At the very front of the cat’s mouth are the incisors, the smallest and most delicate type of teeth. There will be 12 in total, and all of them are used for fine tasks such as grooming, nibbling, or gently scraping the meat from bones.
Canines
Canines are these long, dagger-shaped teeth that look like fangs when you see a cat open its mouth. Cats have 4 of them, with 2 at the top and another 2 at the bottom. They come after the incisors and are often used for gripping, puncturing, and holding their food.
Premolars
Behind the canines are the premolars, which are sharp and serrated teeth. These are designed for tearing down and slicing food into smaller chunks, helping cats eat their food more easily. Cats have 6 of these on the upper jaw and 4 on the lower jaw.
Molars
For adult cats, there will be 4 extra teeth located at the end of the top and bottom of the jaw. These are flatter and broader compared to other types of teeth. Molars are generally used for crushing and grinding hard food. Only adult cats have molars.
When Do Cats Grow Teeth?
Cats don’t just wake up one day with a full set of sharp fangs. Their teeth develop in stages, starting with delicate baby teeth and ending with strong adult teeth. This process is called teething.
Kitten Teething
The moment cats are born, they are toothless. At this stage, they rely completely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Plus, their gums will still be soft and not ready for solids yet.
2 - 3 Weeks
The first baby teeth begin to break through the gums at the front of the mouth, which are the incisors. There’ll be 6 on both the top and bottom.
3 - 4 Weeks
After the incisors emerge, the second set of teeth comes in next. These are the canines. Kittens will develop 4 canines, one on each side of the top and bottom of the jaw.
4 - 6 Weeks
The premolars come next, and they develop just behind the canines. There will be 10 premolars that emerge during this stage: 6 on the top and 4 on the bottom.
6 - 8 Weeks
By the final stages of a kitten’s teething period, the rest of the teeth will continue to grow fully, all 26 of them.
Adult Cat Teething
When kittens move from baby teeth to their permanent set, it takes several months.
3 - 4 Months
At this stage, the incisors of the cat will be the first ones to loosen and fall off. The new adult incisors will grow and rise up from underneath. These will be sharper and slightly larger.
4 - 5 Months
By now, the adult cat will have adult incisors. Next come the adult canines, which are stronger and larger than the baby fangs. Along with the canines, the premolars will start to develop as well.
5 - 7 Months
Here, the molars also start to emerge. While kittens have 26 teeth, adults have 30 new ones with a new type called the molar. Molars will grow at the end of each jaw, with 2 in both the top and bottom. This is also the time when all the cat’s teeth will have fully grown.
Do Cats Swallow Their Baby Teeth?
But what happens when a kitten is teething? Do the teeth just magically disappear? Apparently, they do not. Cats can swallow their baby teeth. Luckily, these little teeth are so tiny that when they loosen, fall, and get swallowed, they just pass through the digestive system without a hitch.
In some cases, a cat’s baby teeth can fall off on the floor, in a food bowl, or on their bed.
Common Dental Problems in Cats
Poor dental care can lead to some very painful problems. Feline gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and is one of the most common dental problems in cats. It happens when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline and cause swelling, redness, and inflammation.
If this isn’t treated, the problem can lead to periodontal disease, a more severe form. At this stage, the infection and damage can spread to the tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can loosen teeth, cause abscesses, and bring a lot of pain.
Tooth resorption is another issue. The cat’s teeth slowly break down from the inside, starting from below the gumline and leading to tooth loss.
Best Way to Clean a Cat’s Teeth
The best way to take care of a cat’s teeth is by having a good routine for dental care.
Start With Brushing
The best way to clean a cat’s teeth is home brushing. Use a soft-toothbrush or a fingertip brush designed for cats. Always use cat-safe toothpaste and brush at least three times a week.
Here’s how to brush a cat’s teeth: Give your cat a lick of toothpaste. After, gently touch the gums and teeth. Once they get used to it, start brushing softly.
Use Dental Toys and Treats
Dental chews, treats, and toys are ways to clean a cat’s teeth. There are also oral rinses and gels that can reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen the breath.
Feed a Dental-Friendly Diet
There are specific foods for dental health you can check out. These are formulated with kibble textures and a fiber matrix that kind of helps cats brush their teeth.
Schedule Dental Cleanings
Even if you consistently brush your cat’s teeth at home, it’s still important to have a professional clean your cat’s teeth. Dental cleanings can help remove hardened tartar, check for tooth condition, and treat gum disease. Plus, we can reach areas a simple toothbrush can’t.
“A cat’s teeth may be small, but their impact on health and wellness is huge.”
- Dr. Soheyl Simaei
Final Thoughts
Cat teeth may be small, but they are a big part of your cat’s health and wellness. From front incisors to the molars on the back, every tooth has a purpose. It falls to us to protect our cats’ teeth and keep them healthy.
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