Updated 29/04/2024
Do cats lose their teeth, and if so, why? We’re sinking our teeth into this question to find out when tooth loss is normal, and when it could be a sign something’s afoot…
Why do cats lose their teeth?
Just like humans, cats lose their teeth. But this can happen for two main reasons. The first, and most common reason, is simply because they’re young – we’ll take a look at this in more detail later, as the second reason could be cause for concern.
If your adult cat loses a tooth, it could be a sign they’re suffering from dental issues. Trauma or accidents can lead to adult teeth breaking or falling out, but gum disease is much more common. Gum disease is extremely common in cats, in fact, it affects around two-thirds of furry felines over the age of three.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacterial plaque on the surface of the teeth, leading to inflammation and eventual loss of teeth. Prevention is the best remedy for dental issues like these – brush your cat’s teeth regularly using a cat-safe toothpaste, and your vet might also recommend a diet, supplement, or treats specially formulated to prevent feline dental problems.
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Why do kittens lose their teeth?
Unlike losing teeth as an adult, it’s perfectly normal for kittens to lose their baby teeth. Otherwise known as milk teeth or deciduous teeth, those little pearly whites fall out to make way for adult gnashers – which is good news for pet parents, as they can be pretty sharp!
Occasionally though, kitten teeth don’t fall out. When this happens, the adult teeth still grow through, resulting in two teeth taking the place of one. Food can get trapped between the teeth leading to problems such as dental decay, or could be quite uncomfortable for your cat, so a trip to the vet may be needed to remove the extra teeth and ensure they don’t lead to trouble.
When do cats lose their baby teeth?
At three to four weeks of age, kittens start growing their little baby teeth. These won’t last long though, and at 12 weeks old, young kitties should have started teething. By the time they reach the nine-month mark, your kitten’s baby teeth should have been pushed out by stronger, larger teeth, and by their first birthday, your furry friend should be sporting a full set of 30 adult teeth.
What to do when your kitten’s teething
Whether you’re a pet parent or a loving cat sitter, realizing your furry feline’s in pain is never nice. But rest assured, teething is a fact of life, and should only last a few weeks. Here are some of the signs your kitten’s teething:
- Eating less
- Chewing more on things
- Minor gum bleeding
- Drooling
- Bad breath
- Meowing
You may also find little teeth deposited on carpeting and furniture, or even notice them drop out while your kitten is eating or playing with toys.
The symptoms of teething should go away once the new teeth emerge, but here are a few ways to make your purr pal a little more comfortable in the meantime:
- Give your kitten a soft toy to chew on.
- Feed them wet cat food or soften their kibble in warm water.
- There are special toys that can be frozen to help soothe their sore gums.
Teething can be a little uncomfortable for your furry friend, so speak to your vet if you have any concerns.
My cat’s tooth fell out - what do I do?
This all depends on why it’s happened. Losing teeth as a young kitten is perfectly normal, and you don’t need to do anything other than keep an eye on them.
If, however, you notice your cat lost a tooth past their first birthday, this could be a sign of gum disease, or some kind of trauma or accident. Take your cat to the vet for a check-up if this is the case as broken adult teeth can be painful and lead to infection if left untreated.
Meet our veterinary expert, Holly
This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!
Do cats lose their teeth? - FAQs
That all depends on their age! It’s perfectly normal for kittens to lose their baby teeth when they’re teething, however, if you have an adult cat who’s losing teeth, this may be a sign of gum disease or trauma.
When kittens lose their baby teeth, adult teeth should come through to replace them. However, if your cat loses their adult teeth, nothing will grow through to replace them, and this could be a sign they’re suffering from gum disease.
