When Do Kittens Lose Baby Teeth? Signs & Care Guide

When do kittens Lose Baby Teeth and How to Help

Much like people, kittens eventually shed their baby teeth as part of a natural growth phase, making room for their permanent adult teeth.

While many kittens handle teething like little champs, some may need extra care and comfort during this time. Don’t worry—offering gentle affection and providing soft chew toys can help make the transition much smoother for your feline friend.

Is It Normal For Kittens to Lose Teeth

Absolutely! It’s normal for kitties aged 3 to 6 months to start losing their baby teeth as their adult teeth come in. The tiny teeth you might spot—often just thin, hollow shells—are nothing to worry about. This happens because the roots of the baby teeth are absorbed by the body, making them easier to fall out.

Your kitten’s adult teeth begin as small tooth buds embedded in the jawbone. As they mature, they push upward through bone and gum tissue until they emerge. Baby teeth usually loosen and make way for the new ones, but adult teeth have strong roots that anchor them to the jaw. These roots not only keep the teeth stable for chewing but also carry blood vessels and nerves that nourish the inner pulp of each tooth.

She must shed her baby teeth so her permanent ones have enough space to come in. When a baby tooth stays in place after its matching adult tooth has erupted, it’s referred to as a retained deciduous tooth. This can create problems by blocking the adult tooth’s proper path, leading to misalignment and crowding in the mouth. Such issues may cause the jaws to fit together incorrectly, increase the risk of gingivitis and other dental diseases, and even result in injury if the adult tooth presses against the soft tissues in her mouth. The baby dog’s teeth—the four sharp ones—are the ones that are most often kept.

When Do Kittens Start Teething?

Kittens begin their teething journey when their baby teeth, also called deciduous teeth, emerge between 2 and 6 weeks of age. This stage is usually smooth, though you might see them gnawing more on toys—or even playfully nibbling their littermates.

The primary teething phase happens as their adult teeth start to appear. This process typically begins at around 3 months old, and by 6 to 7 months, most kittens have their complete set of permanent teeth.

How Do Kitten teeth and Cat teeth Differ From One Another?

Kittens start life with a set of temporary teeth, often called deciduous, milk, baby, or primary teeth. These tiny, needle-sharp teeth have short, delicate roots and only a thin layer of enamel. A complete kitten set includes 26 teeth, which serve mainly as placeholders until the adult teeth grow in, so they don’t need as much upkeep.

By the time a cat is around 6 months old, she should have all 30 of her adult teeth. These teeth are bigger than baby teeth, are a little cream-colored, have a strong outer layer to make them last longer, and are held in place by long roots that go into the jawbone.

Since your cat will keep these adult teeth for life, proper dental care is essential. The best approach includes daily brushing with feline-safe toothpaste, regular professional cleanings under anesthesia, and, for some cats, the addition of dental-friendly diets or treats.

What Are the Signs of Teething in Kittens?

Signs that your kitten is teething include: .

• More frequent vocalizations, ranging from soft chirps to loud meows
• A noticeable urge to chew, especially on softer objects
• Drooling
• Slight gum bleeding
• Taking more time to chew food
• Reduced food intake
• Irritability
• Reluctance to bite or tug on toys
• Pawing at the mouth
• Unpleasant breath
• Swollen or reddened gums (gingivitis)

While most of these symptoms are a regular part of teething and will pass on their own, some warrant extra attention. Keep an eye on your kitten’s eating habits—if she’s losing weight, contact your vet. Light gum bleeding is typical, but heavy bleeding or persistent pawing at the mouth could signal other dental problems that require veterinary care.

Can Teething Hurt My Kitten?

For most kittens, teething causes only a mild ache. The key is to ensure she’s still eating enough to keep her weight steady.

The extra chewing that comes with teething, however, can sometimes put your kitten at risk. If you kitten-proofed your home when she first arrived, now is a great time to do a second safety sweep.

Electrical cords

The soft covering on cords can feel nice for sore gums. Keep them covered or block your kitten’s access unless you’re supervising.

Houseplants

Some plants are toxic to cats. Check the ASPCA toxic plants list to confirm yours are safe, and relocate any questionable plants to an off-limits space.

Food safety

Store all foods securely in a pantry or cabinet. Many everyday eats—like chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes—are unhealthy to cats. Teething kittens may try foods they previously ignored, so if she eats something questionable, contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline right away.

Small objects

Make sure toys, décor, or other items small enough to swallow are put away to prevent choking or blockage.

Related: How to Groom a Kitten: 5 Beginner Steps for Healthy Fur

If your little teething furball is determined to chomp on everything in sight, the safest solution might be to limit her to a spacious dog crate or a single kitten-proofed room whenever you can’t be there to watch her.

How to Help a Teething Kitten Find Relief

There are plenty of ways to ease your kitten’s gum discomfort during teething:

• Give her soft meals, such as canned food or dry kibble softened in warm water.
• Engage her in lots of interactive play to distract her and help burn off energy.
• Freeze low-sodium chicken broth or diluted tuna water into ice cubes for her to bat around and nibble—perfect for cooling sore gums, especially in warm weather.
• Offer soft, chew-friendly toys.
• Provide pet-safe cat grass for a safe and healthy nibble.

Fortunately, teething discomfort is generally mild and short-lived. However, if your kitten seems to be in significant pain, arrange a vet visit to rule out other issues.

Toys That Help Teething Kittens

Store-bought teething toys for kittens are often made from gentle rubber or plastic. They should be tough enough to withstand chewing without breaking into small, swallowable pieces, yet soft enough to protect your kitten’s teeth from damage.

If you prefer DIY options, try cutting a small square of fabric or leather for her to gnaw on. Braided fleece toys are another great choice and can double as interactive fun when you drag them along the floor.

Related: How to Choose the 5 Best Kitten Food and Treats

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