How Many Teeth Does a Cat Have? Kitten vs Adult and Dental Facts

A kitten starts with 26 temporary teeth, and an adult cat has 30 permanent teeth. This change happens as they grow, with specific types of teeth developing at different stages.

Cats, our beloved feline companions, possess a fascinating dental structure that’s crucial for their survival and well-being. From the sharp tools for hunting to the grinding surfaces for processing food, their teeth tell a story of evolution and adaptation. Many pet owners wonder about the exact number of teeth their furry friends sport, and it’s a question with two distinct answers: one for the tiny kittens and another for the fully grown adult cats.

The Fascinating Journey of Feline Teeth

The world of cat dentistry is an intricate dance of growth and change. As kittens develop, their mouths transform, replacing soft, temporary teeth with strong, permanent ones. This transition is a significant milestone, reflecting their progression from relying on their mother’s milk to tackling solid food.

Kitten Teeth: A Temporary Set for Tiny Hunters

When a kitten is born, their mouth is toothless, much like human babies. However, this changes rapidly. The initial set of teeth that emerge are known as temporary cat teeth, or baby cat teeth. These are smaller and sharper than adult teeth, designed for the softer diet of milk and then gradually introducing them to solid food.

Kitten teeth count is a specific number that marks this early stage of development. By the time a kitten is around 2-3 weeks old, their first baby teeth start to appear. These temporary teeth are not permanent and will eventually be replaced.

The Feline Dental Formula for Kittens

The feline dental formula is a way to describe the number and type of teeth in one half of the mouth. For kittens, this formula highlights the deciduous (baby) teeth.

Incisors: Kittens have 12 incisors in total (6 on the top, 6 on the bottom). These are the small teeth at the very front of the mouth, perfect for nipping and grooming.
Canines: Kittens possess 4 canine teeth (2 on the top, 2 on the bottom). These are the long, pointed teeth, essential for puncturing and holding prey.
Premolars: Kittens have 10 premolars (6 on the top jaw, 4 on the bottom jaw). These are located behind the canines and are used for tearing and chewing.

So, if we add these up, a kitten has a total of 26 temporary cat teeth. This set is vital for their initial feeding and exploration of the world through their mouths.

Transition to Adult Teeth: A Gradual Process

The process of cat tooth eruption for permanent teeth begins around 3-4 months of age. The baby teeth are shed, making way for the adult set. This transition is usually uneventful for most cats, though some owners might notice a bit of drooling or a slight change in chewing habits during this period.

It’s important to monitor this transition. Sometimes, deciduous teeth don’t fall out completely, leading to retained baby teeth, which can cause dental problems.

The Feline Dental Formula for Adult Cats

As kittens mature into adult cats, their dental structure changes. The adult cat teeth count increases, and the teeth themselves are larger and designed for a lifetime of chewing and tearing.

Incisors: Adult cats retain the same number of incisors as kittens: 12. These front teeth remain small and sharp, used for precise bites and cleaning.
Canines: The prominent cat canines remain 4 in number (2 on the top, 2 on the bottom). These are significantly larger and more robust in adult cats, crucial for their carnivorous diet.
Premolars: Adult cats have 10 premolars (6 on the top jaw, 4 on the bottom jaw). These are more developed than their baby counterparts, with sharper cusps for tearing meat.
Molars: Adult cats gain a new set of teeth: the molars. These are located at the back of the mouth, behind the premolars. Adult cats have 4 molars in total (2 on the top jaw, 2 on the bottom jaw). These teeth have flatter surfaces designed for grinding food and crushing bone fragments.

Therefore, an adult cat has a total of 30 permanent teeth. This complete set is what enables them to effectively hunt, eat, and maintain their oral health throughout their adult lives.

Decoding the Cat Tooth Eruption Timeline

The development and shedding of teeth follow a predictable timeline. Knowing this can help pet owners identify any potential issues early on.

Birth to 2 Weeks: No teeth visible.
2 to 3 Weeks: Deciduous incisors begin to emerge.
3 to 4 Weeks: Deciduous canines erupt.
4 to 6 Weeks: Deciduous premolars appear.
Around 8 Weeks: The kitten has a full set of 26 baby teeth.
3 to 4 Months: Permanent incisors start to replace deciduous incisors.
4 to 5 Months: Permanent canines erupt, and deciduous canines are shed.
4 to 6 Months: Permanent premolars emerge, and deciduous premolars are shed.
4 to 7 Months: Permanent molars begin to appear at the back of the mouth.
Around 6 to 7 Months: The cat has a full set of 30 adult teeth.

It’s important to note that these are general timelines, and individual cats may vary slightly.

The Anatomy of a Cat’s Mouth: A Closer Look

Each type of tooth in a cat’s mouth has a specific function, contributing to their overall ability to thrive.

Incisors: The Precision Tools

The cat incisors are the smallest teeth located at the front of the mouth. There are six on the upper jaw and six on the lower jaw. Their primary roles include:

Grooming: Cats use their incisors to meticulously clean their fur, removing debris and loose hair.
Nibbling: They are useful for taking small bites of food, especially softer items or treats.
Prey Manipulation: While not the primary tools for killing prey, incisors help in holding and tearing small pieces of meat.

Canines: The Fearsome Fangs

The cat canines are the most prominent teeth, easily recognizable by their sharp, pointed shape. There are two upper canines and two lower canines. Their functions are critical for a carnivore:

Killing Prey: The long, sharp canines are perfectly designed to puncture the neck of small prey, severing the spinal cord and ensuring a quick kill.
Holding Prey: Once caught, the canines grip the prey firmly, preventing escape.
Tearing Meat: They are also used to tear chunks of flesh from their kills.

Premolars: The Tearing and Grinding Specialists

The cat premolars are located behind the canines. Adult cats have six premolars on the upper jaw and four on the lower jaw. These teeth are often described as having sharp cusps, allowing them to function as:

Meat Tearing: The pointed cusps effectively tear meat from bones.
Chewing and Grinding: While not as efficient at grinding as molars, premolars assist in breaking down food into smaller, more manageable pieces. The carnassial teeth (the last upper premolar and the first lower molar) are particularly specialized for shearing meat.

Molars: The Grinding Workhorses

The cat molars are found at the very back of the mouth. Adult cats have two molars on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. These teeth are flatter and broader than premolars, designed for:

Crushing and Grinding: Molars help to crush bones and grind tougher food materials. While cats don’t chew their food extensively like herbivores, molars play a role in preparing food for swallowing.
Bone Crushing: Their robust structure allows them to break down small bones that might be ingested with prey.

Dental Health: Crucial for Your Cat’s Lifelong Well-being

Just like humans, cats are susceptible to various dental problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing pain, infection, and systemic health issues.

Common Dental Issues in Cats

Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, often caused by plaque and tartar buildup.
Periodontal Disease: A more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and affect other organs.
Tooth Resorption: A painful condition where the tooth structure is gradually destroyed.
Stomatitis: Inflammation of the entire mouth, which can be very painful.
Fractured Teeth: Often caused by chewing on hard objects.
Malocclusion: Misalignment of the teeth.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene for Your Cat

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Your veterinarian can perform thorough dental examinations and recommend professional cleaning when necessary.
Dental Diets: Special cat foods are formulated to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Dental Treats and Toys: Some treats and toys are designed to promote dental health by cleaning teeth as the cat chews.
Brushing: While challenging for some owners, regular brushing with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste can be highly effective. Start this process early, ideally when they are kittens.

Signs of Dental Problems in Cats

Bad breath (halitosis)
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Plaque or tartar buildup on teeth
Difficulty eating or chewing
Dropping food from the mouth
Excessive drooling
Pawing at the mouth
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Changes in behavior, such as irritability

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian promptly.

Dispelling Dental Myths

There are several common misconceptions about cat teeth that are worth addressing.

Myth: Cats don’t need dental care.
- Fact: Cats absolutely benefit from dental care. Poor oral hygiene can lead to pain, infection, and overall health problems.
Myth: All cats lose baby teeth naturally.
- Fact: While most do, retained deciduous teeth are a common issue that can cause problems and requires veterinary attention.
Myth: A cat’s bad breath is normal.
- Fact: Persistent bad breath is often a sign of underlying dental disease or other health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Teeth

Q1: How many teeth does a newborn kitten have?
A newborn kitten has no teeth at all. Their first teeth begin to emerge within the first few weeks of life.

Q2: When do kittens start getting adult teeth?
Kittens begin to get their permanent adult teeth around 3 to 4 months of age, with the full set typically in by 6 to 7 months.

Q3: Can cats have braces?
While not common, in certain cases of severe malocclusion that cause pain or difficulty eating, veterinary dentists might consider orthodontic treatments for cats.

Q4: What are the sharpest teeth in a cat’s mouth?
The canines are the sharpest teeth in a cat’s mouth, designed for puncturing prey and tearing meat.

Q5: Is it normal for a kitten to chew on everything?
Yes, it is normal for kittens to chew on things as their teeth erupt and they explore their world. Providing appropriate kitten-safe chew toys can help redirect this behavior.

Q6: My adult cat’s teeth seem to be getting loose. Is this normal?
No, loose teeth in adult cats are not normal and are usually a sign of advanced periodontal disease or other significant dental issues. You should consult your veterinarian immediately.

Q7: Can I feed my cat dry food to help clean their teeth?
Some specially formulated dental dry foods can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup through their kibble shape and texture. However, they are not a substitute for regular dental care and brushing.

Q8: What is the feline dental formula?
The feline dental formula describes the arrangement of teeth in one half of the jaw. For adult cats, it is typically 3/3 incisors, 1/1 canines, 3/2 premolars, and 2/1 molars, totaling 30 teeth.

Q9: What are the different types of teeth a cat has?
Cats have incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each with specialized functions for their carnivorous diet.

Q10: What should I do if I find a small tooth in my kitten’s mouth?
If you find a small tooth, it’s likely a temporary cat tooth that has fallen out as part of the cat tooth eruption process for adult cat teeth. This is generally normal. However, if you are concerned or if your kitten shows signs of pain or difficulty eating, consult your veterinarian.

In conclusion, the number of teeth a cat possesses changes significantly from kittenhood to adulthood. From the initial 26 baby cat teeth to the formidable 30 adult cat teeth, this dental progression is a fascinating aspect of feline development. By staying informed about their feline dental formula and prioritizing good oral hygiene, pet owners can ensure their feline friends enjoy a healthy and comfortable life, free from dental pain and complications.