Welcoming a new kitten into your home is an exciting experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the various stages of their development. One significant milestone in a kitten’s life is teething, which can be accompanied by discomfort and a natural urge to chew.
Understanding when kittens start teething and how to help them is crucial for their overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore when teething happens in kittens and how to help your teething kitten so they stay comfortable and happy.
When Do Kittens Teeth?
Generally, kittens begin teething around the age of 2 to 4 weeks. At this early stage, their first set of tiny, needle-sharp baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth, start to show. These baby teeth are essential for kittens to explore their world as they start weaning off their mother’s milk.
Between the ages of 3 and 6 weeks, you may notice your kitten chewing on objects or even playfully nibbling on their littermates. This behavior is entirely normal and helps their baby teeth break through their gums. Around 6 to 9 weeks of age, most kittens will have a complete set of baby teeth, typically comprising 26 sharp little incisors, canines, and premolars.
When Do Kittens Lose Their Baby Teeth
As kittens continue to grow, their baby teeth will stick around until they reach around 11 to 16 weeks old. The transition to their permanent set of adult teeth begins around this age. The baby teeth start to loosen and fall out, making room for the incoming adult teeth. The process of kittens losing their baby teeth and growing adult teeth usually takes several months, with the 30 adult teeth fully developed by around 6 to 7 months of age, which is usually when kittens stop teething.
It’s important to note that each kitten is unique, and the exact timing of their teething stages may vary. However, by understanding the general timeline of kitten teething, you can better anticipate their needs and care for your little fur baby.
Signs Your Kitten Is Teething
As your kitten progresses through the teething process, it’s essential to recognize the signs that they are teething. By understanding these signs, you can provide the necessary support and comfort for your teething kitten.
Here are some common signs that your kitten is teething:
- Showing signs of discomfort in their face or mouth: Your kitten may exhibit behaviors such as pawing at their mouth, rubbing their face against objects, or even meowing in discomfort.
- Reduced appetite: Teething can make eating uncomfortable for kittens. If you notice your kitten showing less interest in their food or having difficulty chewing, it could be a sign of teething.
- Drooling: Excessive drooling is another common sign of teething in kittens. You may notice increased saliva production, resulting in wet spots on their fur or the surrounding areas.
- Gum bleeding: Occasionally, you may observe slight bleeding or reddened gums as the baby teeth loosen and the adult teeth start to emerge. It’s essential to monitor their gum health during this time.
- Increased chewing: Teething kittens have a natural urge to chew to relieve discomfort. You might notice them gnawing on various objects, including their toys, furniture, or even your fingers.
- Bad breath: You may be familiar with “kitten breath”. This temporary bad breath is caused by the teething process and will improve once your kitten stops teething. However, if your kitten continues to have bad breath after that, it’s worth having their oral health checked at the vet.
- Reduced grooming: Some kittens may exhibit reduced grooming habits during teething. This can be attributed to the discomfort they may feel in their mouth and face.
- Having a sensitive face: Your kitten’s face may appear more sensitive or tender to the touch during the teething phase. They might react when you try to touch or examine their mouth.
How To Help Your Teething Kitten
There are several ways you can provide your fur baby with comfort and alleviate their pain during this stage. Here are some tips on how to help a teething kitten:
- Provide kitten teething toys: Provide your kitten with safe and appropriate teething toys to chew on. Look for toys specifically designed for kittens, as they are made with materials that are gentle on their gums. Additionally, consider using homemade kitten teething toys, such as freezing a damp washcloth or offering a small, knotted sock. Remember, always supervise your kitten while they play with toys to ensure their safety. Besides, watching them play is always entertaining!
- Provide cold items for soothing relief: Try refrigerating or freezing safe toys or damp washcloths before offering them to your kitten. The coolness can provide temporary soothe your teething kitten’s gums. You can also make ice cubes out of low/no sodium chicken broth or diluted tuna juice for them to lick or suck on.
- Massage their gums: Gently massaging your kitten’s gums with a clean finger can help alleviate the discomfort caused by teething. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before doing so to prevent any potential infections.
- Ensure proper dental care: If your kitten has inflamed gums, your vet may give you soothing teething or dental gel that you can apply to your kitten’s gums, just like what I did with my kitten – Bella. By using the proper dental gel, you’ll reduce the discomfort in your kitten’s gums and help them get through the teething process. If your kitten’s gums are not inflamed, it’s a good idea to start brushing their teeth using a soft toothbrush and kitten-friendly toothpaste. This not only helps with their teething but can help maintain a lifetime of good oral hygiene.
- Monitor their diet: Provide soft or wet food as these are more comfortable for your kitten to eat. Remember to feed them the appropriate kitten food to ensure they’re getting the right nutrients.
- Create a calm environment: Teething kittens may experience increased irritability or discomfort. Create a soothing and quiet environment for your kitten, providing them with a cozy and secure space where they can relax and rest.
Remember, every kitten is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Observe your teething kitten closely and adjust your approach based on their individual needs.
When To Bring Your Teething Kitten To The Vet?
It’s normal for teething kittens to show some signs of discomfort, such as increased chewing, drooling, or reduced appetite. However, if you notice that your kitten is excessively crying, seems to be in severe pain, or is unable to eat or drink, it’s time to consult a veterinarian. They can assess your kitten’s condition and recommend appropriate measures to alleviate their discomfort. Here are some signs when to get a vet’s help with your teething kitten.
- Refusing to eat or drink: Teething kittens may have a reduced appetite, but if your kitten completely refuses to eat or drink for an extended period, it can lead to dehydration and other health issues.
- Bleeding or inflamed gums: While some minor gum bleeding can be expected during teething, excessive bleeding or inflammation may indicate a more serious issue. A vet can examine your kitten’s mouth to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing: If your kitten appears to be having trouble breathing or swallowing, it could be a sign of a more severe problem unrelated to teething. Seek immediate veterinary care to address the issue promptly.
- Persistent bad breath: Temporary bad breath is normal during the teething process, but if your kitten’s bad breath persists or becomes increasingly worse, your kitten might have an infection that requires veterinary attention.
- Unusual behavioral changes: While some changes in behavior are expected during teething, significant changes such as extreme lethargy or aggression, should be evaluated by a vet.
Taking Care Of Your Kitten’s Teeth
Proper dental care is essential for your kitten’s overall health and well-being. By establishing good oral hygiene habits early on, you can ensure that your fur baby maintains strong and healthy teeth throughout their life. Here are a few essential tips to take care of your kitten’s teeth:
- Regular brushing: Start brushing your kitten’s teeth gently from a young age using a specialized pet toothbrush and toothpaste that’s specifically formulated for cats. Gradually introduce this routine into their daily care to prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy gums.
- Vet check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your kitten’s dental health. Your vet can detect any dental issues early on and provide necessary treatments or advice on how to care for your kitten’s teeth.
- Balanced diet: Offer your kitten a well-balanced diet that supports their dental health. Including grain-free kibbles in your kitten’s diet can with their oral hygiene. Just remember to mix it up with wet food and minimize feeding them treats that can lead to tooth decay.
- Dental toys and treats: Provide dental toys and treats designed to promote oral health. These specially designed items can help clean your kitten’s teeth and massage their gums while satisfying their natural urge to chew.
- Provide enough water: Ensure your kitten has access to fresh, clean water at all times. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dry mouth, which can contribute to dental issues.
By incorporating these simple but crucial practices into your kitten’s routine, you can promote strong, healthy teeth and set the foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene. Taking care of your kitten’s teeth from an early age will not only prevent potential dental problems but also contribute to their overall health and happiness as they grow into adult cats.