Kitten Teething Guide
Kittens experience two stages of teething: first, when their baby teeth come out, and second, when these baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Understanding this process and knowing how to care for your teething kitten can make the experience easier for both you and your pet.
Teething in Kittens: What to Expect
Newborn kittens are toothless and rely solely on their mother's milk for nutrition. However, they grow rapidly and need teeth as soon as they begin weaning.
Their milk teeth are small and sharp, designed for the small jaws of a young kitten. As they mature, these teeth give way to larger adult teeth.
Kitten Teething Timeline
Here are the details of the important initial milestones:
- Birth: Kittens are born without teeth.
- 2 to 4 weeks: Incisors or front teeth begin to emerge (six on top, six on the bottom).
- 3 to 4 weeks: One canine (sharp teeth next to the piercing machine) begins to appear, one on each side of the upper and lower jaw.
- 4 to 6 weeks: The premolars located behind the canines begin to grow (three on each side of the upper jaw, two on each side of the lower jaw).
- 8 weeks: By this age, all 26 baby teeth are usually in place.
After the baby teeth fall out, kittens develop a full set of 30 adult teeth (12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars).
People Also Read-when to start feeding kittens wet food
Adult Teeth Timeline
- Three and a half to four months: Children's incisors start falling out, which are replaced by adult incisors.
- 4 to 5 months: Baby canines and premolars fall out, while adult teeth emerge.
- 5 to 7 months: By about 6 months of age, kittens usually have a full set of adult teeth.
Recognizing the symptoms of teething
Your kitten may show signs of teething, such as:
- Discomfort: Pawing at their face or looking more irritable.
- Difficulty in eating: Hard food can cause pain, which can lead to hesitation in eating or the food may fall.
- Droolation: Like human babies, kittens may also drool when teething.
- Bad breath: Teething can cause kittens to have a distinct odor.
- Chewing: Chewing on soft objects can provide relief from pain in the gums.
Toys for Teething Kittens
Kittens naturally want to chew during teething, so give them safe toys to redirect this behavior. Avoid letting them chew your hands or dangerous household items.
For example, the PetStage Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Cat Chew Toy is a great choice. A frozen washcloth can also provide relief by providing a cool, crisp texture.
Choosing the right food
Most kittens handle teething well and continue to eat normally, even with dry food. However, if your kitten struggles, switching to wet food may make it easier to eat.
In general, wet food offers health benefits for kittens, providing more protein and moisture while being lower in carbohydrates. You may consider making this a permanent change to your kitten's diet.
Cleaning Your Kitten's Teeth
Use teething as an opportunity to introduce your kitten to toothbrushing. Instead of aggressive brushing, gently massage their teeth and gums with a soft finger brush and a small amount of cat toothpaste. This helps them adjust to the process and be ready for a full-fledged brushing session when their adult teeth come in.
0 Comments