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Cat Teeth | Understanding Feline Tooth Development

Cat Teeth | Dental Care

Cats commonly face problems. Discover ways to care for their teeth and gums, in our handbook.

Keeping your cats teeth in shape is essential, for their health because dental issues are common among cats. Whether you have a kitten with retained baby teeth or an older cat with tooth resorption understanding the aspects of feline care is crucial. Dental problems like gum disease and tooth root problems can lead to health issues, including pain, tooth loss and a weakened immune system in cats.

Cat having teeth checked at the vet.

Taking care of your cats dental health, with cat toothpaste can help prevent plaque buildup and reduce the chances of needing extractions. It's important to brush your cats teeth focusing on the gum line to maintain hygiene. Adding food and water supplements to their diet can also aid in reducing plaque formation and promoting health. Don't forget, while home care is crucial regular veterinary dental check ups are just as important to catch any issues early and prevent damage that may lead to extractions. A healthy mouth isn't just vital for your cats well being. Also contributes to their system strength making dental care a top priority, for feline health.

Cat teeth problems

It might come as a surprise to discover that cats often face issues related to their teeth, jaw and mouth. Cats are masters, at hiding any pain or discomfort they might be experiencing making it challenging for parents to notice any problems, especially when the cat appears content and at ease while continuing its eating and drinking routines.


Taking care of your friends dental health is crucial as it can influence their well being. Cats often experience improved well being and increased energy levels following care. Enhancing your cats quality of life involves prioritizing hygiene through teeth cleaning and a focus, on their well being. It is important to keep their teeth clean and address any problems promptly to ensure their health and happiness.

Cat showing his Teeth to camera.

How many teeth does my kitten have?

When your cat is a kitten they start off with 26 baby teeth, which are later replaced by 30 adult teeth once they reach around six months old.


Your cats teeth have functions beyond catching prey and eating, they also play a crucial role in self defense against other cats. Each tooth is firmly anchored in the jawbone and secured in place by ligaments.


As a kitten’s adult teeth grow in you may notice slight gum swelling and some bad breath issues. Usually this doesn't affect their appetite. Tends to resolve on its own. However complications can arise if the baby teeth don’t fall out naturally potentially requiring intervention.


Cats may face challenges if their teeth are too close together or if they have an abundance of teeth. These dental issues, which could be inherited may result in illnesses.

If you have any concerns about your cats health it's advisable to seek advice, from your veterinarian.

Diagram of cats mouth showing the teeth and what they are called.

Do Human teeth and cat teeth have similarities?

While the appearance of a cats teeth may differ from teeth, both humans and cats share the characteristic of being diphyodont animals meaning we each go through two sets of teeth in our lifetime.


The initial set, also known as baby teeth shed during childhood to pave the way, for a set.


However cats undergo a development compared to humans.


At birth cats do not have teeth. Their baby teeth start appearing 2 weeks old. These baby teeth typically fall out around 3 months old to allow room, for the set.


With care a cats permanent teeth are expected to last their lifespan.


  • Did you know that cats have 26 baby teeth and 30 permanent teeth? In comparison humans typically have 20 baby teeth and 32 permanent teeth while dogs start off with 28 baby teeth and end up with 42 teeth.

Visiting the vet for check-ups

When you take your cat for their check up the vet will carefully check their mouth. It's essential to keep this appointment. Even if you don't notice any signs of issues the vets examination can reveal problems that may be more serious than you realize. Owners are often surprised, by how significant their cats hidden dental problems can be.

Some common indicators of problems and diseases in cats are;


  • Grooming leading to a dull coat
  • Foul breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Discomfort while eating
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Gum bleeding
  • Reduced appetite or weight loss
  • Swelling around the face or jaw
  • Loose or missing teeth
  • Difficulty chewing

If your cat displays any of these signs it is crucial to promptly arrange a visit, to the vet.

Will my cat need to have a tooth out? 

There are issues that could indicate that your cat may need a tooth extraction. Unlike humans cats typically do not undergo root canals or crown repairs. Some common dental problems, in cats that may necessitate extraction include.


  • Tooth fractures, if your cat has experienced an accident or fallen from a height fractures are an outcome.
  • Tooth wear, severe wear and tear on
  • The teeth can lead to the necessity of extraction.
  • Tooth resorption, one of the most common dental problems in cats is resorptive lesions, where the tooths structure gradually deteriorates.

Cat having teeth worked on by vet.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease in cats involves inflammation and damage to the tissues surrounding their teeth, leading to the development of pockets around the teeth and potentially resulting in tooth loss. This condition is often caused by bacteria and the buildup of plaque. Excessive plaque can occur due to several factors:


  • A reduced ability of your cat to naturally clean its teeth, which could be due to tooth loss or dietary factors like the type of dry food they eat.
  • Gum inflammation from an injury or an underlying disease.
  • Weak immune defenses from immune system issues, infections, or general illness.

Maintaining good dental care is crucial for preventing periodontal disease. Using a toothpaste designed for cats and brushing your cat's teeth regularly can help remove plaque and support oral health. Additionally, employing water additives and feeding dry food can further assist in keeping your cat’s teeth clean and healthy.


If your cat is diagnosed with dental disease but it is not severe, your veterinarian may perform a thorough cleaning of the teeth above and below the gum line while your cat is under general anesthesia. This treatment, combined with diligent home care and regular check-ups, can be effective in managing the condition.


In advanced cases of periodontal disease, where the damage is significant, tooth extraction may be necessary to address the problem.

What is gingivitis?

Like us humans making sure cats get a diet can reduce the risk of dental issues. While diet isn't the factor, in preventing plaque buildup certain dental foods made for cats might be beneficial in keeping their teeth and gums healthy.


Steer clear of giving them snacks. Even though sugar isn't toxic to cats, its lacking, in nutrients. Can wear down enamel potentially causing cavities and other dental problems.

What should I feed my cat to avoid dental issues?

As humans it's crucial to make sure that cats get a rounded diet to maintain their health and prevent problems. While diet alone may not solve all issues, like plaque buildup or tooth resorption specialized dental foods can play a role, in supporting hygiene by keeping a cats teeth and gums in good condition.


It's crucial to avoid giving cats treats as they don't offer any value and can harm their enamel potentially leading to tooth decay, loss of teeth or serious dental problems that may require tooth extraction. Instead consider brushing your cats teeth and referring to our guide - What can cats eat?


Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene for an elderly cat is vital because problems like tooth root issues or retained baby teeth can crop up impacting the cats immune system. Consistent dental care plays a role in preventing plaque buildup and sustaining well being underscoring its importance, in feline care routines.

Choosing the right diet for good dental health

Ensuring your cats dental health is crucial so selecting the appropriate diet is key, to preventing tooth problems in cats. Here are some vital factors to keep in mind to maintain your cats hygiene and overall well being:


  1. Choose Dry Food: Opting for kibble is good, for your cats teeth because the crunching helps to get rid of plaque and lower the chances of issues. This is crucial for keeping their health in check and preventing complications such, as tooth resorption or root problems.
  2. Cat DietDiets are made to help maintain your cats teeth by using sizes and special ingredients that can keep their teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup. It's important to take care of a cats health.
  3. Limit Soft and Sugary Foods: Soft, wet foods can stick to the teeth and contribute to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of dental disease and tooth fall. Additionally, avoid sugary treats, as they can erode enamel and lead to serious issues like the need to extract a tooth.
  4. Adding Chews: Including chews, in your cats diet can be beneficial. These treats are formulated to aid in teeth cleaning, plaque removal and maintaining hygiene for cats. Consistent use may lower the likelihood of issues, such, as requiring a tooth extraction.
  5. Use Water Additives: Some water additives are formulated to help remove plaque and support good dental health. Adding these to your cat's drinking water can be an easy way to keep cat teeth clean and reduce the risk of dental disease.
  6. Keep an eye on your cats health: Make sure to inspect your feline friends mouth for any signs of dental issues like redness, swelling or problems related to their baby teeth or tooth roots. Detecting problems on can help avoid severe issues, such, as the necessity of tooth extraction or addressing tooth resorption.
  7. Balance and Nutrition: A balanced diet is important not just for dental health but for overall well-being. A diet that supports the cat immune system can help your pet fight off infections, including those that affect their dental health. This is especially important for maintaining good dental care in an old cat.

Choosing the right diet is an important part of maintaining your cat’s dental health, helping to prevent tooth fall, support a clean cat mouth, and ensure your pet enjoys a long, healthy life.

Domestic cat having teeth cleaned by owner.

How to keep your cat's teeth clean

Taking care of your cats health by brushing their teeth is crucial to prevent issues and diseases. It's best to start this routine when they're young. While you don't have to brush a kittens baby teeth it's beneficial to get them accustomed, to having their teeth handled for care. Watch our video guide on how to clean your cats teeth and remove plaque.


  • Here are some key tips for brushing your cats teeth;
  • Consult your vet for guidance on how to brush your cats teeth in order to avoid dental problems.
  • Always use toothpaste specially formulated for cats.
  • Begin by putting some cat toothpaste on your finger and letting your cat have a taste of it.
  • Consider giving chicken flavored toothpaste a try – it might just be more appealing.
  • Make sure to get a toothbrush that is made for cats, which you can easily purchase at pet stores.
  • Choose a time every day to brush your cats teeth especially as they get older and make it a part of their routine.
  • Gently lift your cats lips and touch their teeth with the brush. Comfort them afterwards.

For cat teeth cleaning angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees to reach both the tooth surface. Just, below the gum line, essential for maintaining good dental hygiene.

Keep in mind that proper dental hygiene plays a role in preventing tooth loss minimizing the need, for tooth extraction and bolstering your cats system. It's an aspect of caring for your cat that promotes health and overall well being.

FAQ

How much does cat teeth cleaning cost uk?

The price of getting your cats teeth cleaned in the UK can vary based on factors, like where you go the specific vet clinic, how complicated the procedure. Whether your cat needs any extra treatments like tooth removal. Typically you might pay around £100 to £300 for a cat teeth cleaning.


If your cat needs extractions or extensive dental work the cost could go up significantly possibly reaching £500 or more. Some vet practices may cover anesthetic blood tests, pain relief medications and other related services in the total cost while others might charge these separately.

How many teeth does an adult cat have?

A grown up cat usually has 30 teeth consisting of 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars and 4 molars. This full set of teeth usually develops by the age of around six months.

How often (if at all) do you brush your cats teeth?

It's best to brush your cats teeth every day to keep their health in shape and prevent issues, like plaque buildup, tartar formation and dental disease. Daily brushing helps get rid of plaque on your cats teeth before it turns into tartar and can lower the chances of dental problems.


If brushing every day isn't doable try to aim for a times a week. Being consistent is important because regular brushing can help maintain your cat’s teeth cleanliness and support their health. Also incorporating brushing with care methods, like giving dental treats or toys can further improve your cat’s dental hygiene.

My kitty has bad teeth and I am struggling to find a solution?

If your cats teeth are not, in shape the initial thing to do is take them to the vet for a dental check up. The veterinarian will examine their teeth. May propose a dental cleaning to get rid of any plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally they might recommend treatments, for any issues. Offer guidance on keeping your feline friends mouth healthy by brushing regularly providing dental treats and ensuring proper care.

Is it bad if we never brush a cat's teeth?

Neglecting to brush your cats teeth can have consequences. If you don't brush regularly plaque may. Turn into tartar, which can result in problems, like gum inflammation, gum disease, tooth erosion and cavities. These issues can lead to pain, discomfort and severe health issues. Consistent brushing, combined with cleanings and other dental care routines is essential, for preserving health and avoiding such complications.

Why do cats have such tiny front teeth?

Cats have teeth, known as incisors that serve unique purposes compared to their larger counterparts. These tiny incisors are essential, for grooming, nibbling and handling items than chewing or breaking down food. Their size is perfectly suited for tasks like grooming themselves and managing prey or snacks. Furthermore the compact size of these cat teeth allows them to handle objects with precision, which plays a role, in their survival instincts and grooming habits.

Can a cat survive without teeth?

Yes cats can live without teeth. While teeth play a role, in chewing and eating cats are creatures. Can adapt to tooth loss. If a cats teeth are lost due to problems or other issues they may need to switch to foods that are easier to consume. Offering wet cat food along, with nutrition and care can help ensure that the cat enjoys a good quality of life despite lacking teeth. It's crucial to address the root cause of tooth loss and provide attention to address any ongoing health issues.


Kelly Rushton with her Cat Eddie Stafford.

Kelly Rushton

Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.


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