The kitten teething process takes place over the first few months of a kitten’s life. In this article we’ll show you a kitten teething age chart & diagram, discuss kitten teething symptoms, and toys and tools you can use to help your furbabe through the process. Let’s dig our teeth into the topic!
Table of Contents
- Kitten teething
- Kitten Baby Teeth Diagram
- Kitten Teething symptoms
- How to Help a Teething Kitten
- Kitten Tooth Brushing
- Kitten Teething FAQs
- Kitten Teething
Kitten teething
Baby kittens are born with no teeth. They nurse from their mothers (or are bottle-fed formula if needed). Between 3 and 4 weeks of age, kittens have their first set of teeth start to erupt. These 26 teeth are sometimes called milk teeth or deciduous teeth. This just means that these “baby teeth” will fall out later as the kitten’s permanent teeth emerge.
Kittens normally start eating solid wet food around 4-5 weeks of age, as more of their teeth emerge. The teeth come in starting from the front, with the incisors, and working to the back through the canines (sharp pointy teeth) to the kitten premolars.
Between 5 and 8 weeks old, kittens will have a full set of 26 baby teeth. But not for long! These milk teeth soon loosen and begin to fall out to make way for the kitten’s permanent teeth. You don’t often see a kitten’s tooth after it falls out, because they normally just get swallowed by the kitten rather than spit out.
When do kittens lose their teeth?
Around 12 weeks , you many start to see some of those baby teeth loosen. Between 3 and 4 months of age, a kitten’s incisors begin to be replaced with permanent adult teeth. Following the incisors, a kitten’s adult canines come in, then the premolars, and then molars. A kitten will have replaced all 26 baby teeth with 30 permanent teeth by 6 or 7 months of age. The extra 4 teeth in the permanent set are the molars. The set of kitten baby teeth are missing two molars on top and two molars on bottom.
Kitten Baby Teeth Diagram
For more great images of cat and kitten teeth, check out our article on why cats yawn.
Kittens have 26 baby teeth that come in over the first 8 weeks of their life. On the top, they have 6 incisors in the middle. These look like tiny little bumps. They also have two longer sharper canines on either side of the incisors. Behind the canines, there are three pre-molars on each side of a kitten’s top jaw. The pre-molars each have slightly different shapes.
On the bottom, kittens again have 6 tiny incisors in the middle. Then comes one canine on each side, followed by 2 premolars on each side.
Kittens do not have baby molars. But once their baby teeth fall out, they will gain a set of 4 molars (2 on top and 2 on bottom) with their permanent teeth. Behind each set of pre-molars, top and bottom left and right, there is one molar.
Kitten Teething Age Chart
Kittens are born with no teeth. Their first full set of 26 baby teeth emerge by 8 weeks of age, only to start falling out again by 12 weeks old. You can estimate a kitten’s age by teeth by referencing the chart below. See the image above for clarity on which teeth are positioned where in the kitten’s mouth. Determining how far along a kitten is in the teething process will give you a reasonably small age window for the kitten.
| Kitten age | Dental Situation |
| 0-2 weeks | Kittens are born with no teeth |
| 3-4 weeks | Baby teeth start to emerge – incisors first |
| 5-8 weeks | Baby kitten teeth finish emerging – premolars last |
| 12 weeks | Kitten teeth begin falling out – incisors are the first to go |
| 3-4 months | Permanent teeth begin to emerge: incisors first, then canines, premolars and finally molars |
| 6-7 month | All 30 permanent teeth should be present by this time |
Kitten Teething symptoms
Teething is fortunately a quick process for kittens, and usually uneventful. Kittens who are teething may experience sore gums as the teeth emerge. This may lead to a few unusual behaviors. Some kittens may drool as new teeth erupt, and some may meow in complaint of the pain of teething. If the kitten is uncomfortable enough, she may avoid eating dry food for a few days. If you notice this symptom of teething, provide additional soft wet food so the kitten can eat comfortably.
Signs your kitten may be teething:
- Drooling: your kitten may produce extra saliva during the teething process
- Red, sore gums: a new tooth pushing through can be slightly painful and cause soreness
- Irritability: your kitten may be a little grumpy while her mouth is sore
- Pawing at mouth & shaking head: you may notice your kitten trying to spit out a loose tooth
- Finding teeth: kitten teeth are usually swallowed after they fall out, but you might find one on the floor
- Missing teeth: you may notice that your kitten is missing teeth where they have fallen out in preparation for the new tooth to emerge
- Increased chewing on objects: pressure on the gums may provide feel good, so you may find your kitten chewing on things more frequently.
- Facial sensitivity: your kitten may not want pets on her face while she’s teething
- Reduced appetite: while her gums are sore, your kitten may not eat as much
You may want to provide toys the kitten can chew comfortably so they can apply counter pressure to their sore gums. Kittens may be more creative in looking for items to chew on during this time, so be sure not to let them gnaw on your fingers because this sets up a potentially life-long habit of biting.
How to Help a Teething Kitten
There are a number of toys available that may provide some relief for your kitten’s teething woes. Just be sure to monitor your kitten’s use of these toys, and their condition, carefully, so you know your kitten is using them safely.
Frozen Washcloth
Moisten a washcloth with water, and put it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, give it to your kitten for a chew toy. Just be sure to monitor your floor for wet spots, and your kitten to make sure they don’t rip off a choking-hazard sized chunk.
Cardboard Boxes
Chances are, you have some cardboard boxes occasionally pass through your home. And you’ve likely noticed how much your cats and kittens LOVE these simple items. Teething kittens will invariably soothe their sore gums by chewing on the corners of these boxes. Be sure the boxes are clean, not sharp, and monitor to make sure they don’t pose a choking hazard to your furry little one.
Chew Sticks
These minty chew sticks are the perfect shape for kittens to gnaw and chew on, relieving sore gums. The mint filling will entice them to play more often!
Fresh Breath Mint Sticks These are the perfect size for kittens to gnaw and carry around for play. Not to mention that mint is related to catnip, and will entice your kitten to engage and freshen his kitten breath as he plays.
Banana Teether
This banana teether is the perfect shape for kittens to kick and wrestle while they chew. The mesh netting is great for getting between teeth and gums.
Petstages Catnip and Dental Health Cat Toys This banana is covered with a mesh netting that cleans kitty's teeth as she chews. And the shape is great for kicking and hunting, not to mention very entertaining!
Dental Chews
These nylon chewers are fun enough to hold your kitten’s attention, and great for gnawing and biting. The netting is designed to not come apart, so it shouldn’t present a choking threat to your kitten.
Petstages Catnip and Dental Health Cat Toys Whether you have a kitten that's teething or an older feline that loves to chew, these dental cat chew toys can help satisfy their urges and redirect their behavior away from your hands and furniture!
Dental Snacks for teething cats
These teeth-friendly cat treats are crunchy enough to work a kitty’s teeth and gums, and contain ingredients that keep a cat’s mouth fresh. Plus, your kitty will love them!
Emerald Pet Dental Cat Treats, Made in USA Better dental care: Whimsical fish shaped treats are big enough to encourage chewing versus just swallowing for maximum dental health.
Kitten Tooth Brushing
It’s a good idea to get a kitten used to having his teeth brush. Regular tooth brushing throughout a cat’s life will help his oral health, and keeping his teeth healthy will contribute to his overall health throughout his life. A good kitten toothbrush like this regular style toothbrush or this fingertip style toothbrush will make the job easy. Don’t forget to apply a little bit of kitty tooth powder or toothpaste!
Jasper 360º Fingerbrush Toothbrush Kit Silicone bristles are gentler and more readily accepted by pets, while still being abrasive enough to remove plaque and tarter. Designed to fit all finger types and not slip off in your cat's mouth!
Kitten Teething FAQs
Do kittens bite a lot when teething?
What are The symptoms of a kitten teething?
What can I give my kitten to chew on?
Why does my kitten bite me?
How long will my kitten be teething?
Do kittens go through a teething stage?
When do kittens stop nursing?
When do kittens lose their baby teeth?
Kitten Teething
Kittens teethe quickly and intensely over their first few months of life! For some, the process will be smooth and unobtrusive. For other kittens, symptoms of teething will be unpleasant. No matter how it goes, you can support your kitten through the teething process with the right knowledge, tools, & teething toys. And before you know it, you’ll be on the other side with a happy, healthy kitten!
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