Have you ever asked yourself how many teeth cats have? If you're a curious cat owner or just want to learn more about cat teeth to take better care of your pet, you're in the right place. Knowing the difference between kitten teeth and adult cat teeth isn’t just fun trivia it helps you understand what’s normal and when your cat might need a trip to the vet.
Cats go through changes with their teeth, just like people do. They start with baby teeth and then get adult ones later on. But how many teeth they have and what they’re used for is different from us. In this guide, we’ll explain how many teeth kittens and adult cats have, why it matters, and what to watch for to keep their mouth healthy.
Let’s begin with the basics: how many teeth do kittens and adult cats really have, and why are they different?
How Many Teeth Does a Kitten Have?
So, how many teeth does a kitten actually have? The simple answer: 26 baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth. But there’s a lot more going on behind that number, and understanding it can really help if you're raising a young cat.
Kittens don’t have any teeth when they’re born. Just like human babies, they come into the world toothless and rely fully on nursing. Their first teeth begin to show up between 2 to 4 weeks of age, starting with the tiny incisors at the front. These are the small teeth that help with picking things up or grooming.
By about 3 to 4 weeks, the canines (those little fangs) start to appear. And between 4 to 6 weeks, the premolars come in. When all is said and done usually by 6 to 8 weeks old kittens have a full set of 26 deciduous teeth. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 12 incisors (6 upper, 6 lower)
- 4 canines (2 upper, 2 lower)
- 10 premolars (6 upper, 4 lower)
And nope, there are no molars in a kitten’s mouth those come in later when their adult teeth grow in.
Why don’t kittens have as many teeth as adult cats? It’s mostly about size and purpose. Kittens have smaller jaws, and their baby teeth are only meant to serve them for a short time mainly to help them start eating solid food and practicing basic chewing behaviors. Around 3.5 to 4 months of age, these baby teeth begin to fall out, making room for 30 adult teeth, which include the molars used for more serious chewing and tearing.
Knowing this dental timeline is more than just fun trivia it’s practical. It helps you spot normal teething patterns, notice if something’s off (like if a tooth doesn’t fall out on time), and stay ahead of dental issues that might pop up later.
So next time your kitten starts chewing on your shoelaces or seems a little irritable, it might not be mischief it could just be teething. Keeping an eye on their dental milestones helps you stay in tune with what’s going on in their little mouths.
How Many Teeth Does an Adult Cat Have?
Wondering how many teeth an adult cat has? The short answer is 30 permanent teeth. But just knowing the number isn’t the full story. There’s actually a lot of cool biology behind those sharp little tools your cat carries around in its mouth.
By the time your cat is about 6 to 7 months old, they should have their full set of adult teeth. These replace the 26 baby teeth they had as kittens. The adult set includes:
- 12 incisors (6 on the top, 6 on the bottom)
- 4 canines (2 upper, 2 lower)
- 10 premolars (6 upper, 4 lower)
- 4 molars (2 upper, 2 lower)
So, what’s the point of all these teeth? Each type of tooth plays a role in your cat’s day-to-day survival whether in the wild or at home. For starters, cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are built to eat meat. Their teeth aren’t made for grinding like ours are instead, they’re designed for gripping, tearing, and slicing.
Here’s how that breaks down:
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Incisors: Small and chisel-shaped, these help with grooming and nibbling small bits of meat or fur.
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Canines: Those classic fang-like teeth are made to grab, puncture, and hold onto prey (or sometimes your hand when they’re feeling spicy).
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Premolars: These come into play when your cat needs to shear or slice through tougher meat or kibble.
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Molars: While fewer in number than in humans, these help crush and break down food just enough for swallowing.
Unlike herbivores or omnivores, cats don’t need flat molars for grinding plants. Instead, their back teeth act more like scissors than grinders this design lines up perfectly with how wild cats eat and digest prey. Even though most domestic cats don’t hunt their dinner anymore, their teeth still reflect those wild instincts.
Also worth noting: because cats don’t chew their food much, dental problems can sneak up on them fast. Issues like periodontal disease, tooth resorption, or fractures are common if you’re not keeping an eye on things. Regular checkups, proper food, and even brushing can make a huge difference.
So yes, your adult cat has 30 teeth but behind that number is a fascinating system that’s evolved for survival, comfort, and a whole lot of chomping power. And knowing how each tooth functions helps you stay one step ahead when it comes to your cat’s health.
Why Do Cats Have So Many Sharp Teeth?
Ever taken a look at your cat’s teeth and thought, "Wow, those are seriously sharp"? You’re not imagining it. Cats have a mouth full of sharp teeth for very good reasons, and it all comes down to evolution and survival.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are wired to eat meat and nothing else. Every tooth in their mouth has a job to do, and those jobs are all about helping them hunt, eat, and survive.
Let’s break it down:
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Canines (the long, pointy ones) are built like nature’s daggers. They’re perfect for grabbing prey and delivering a clean, fast bite usually aimed at the neck or spine. It’s efficient, quick, and deadly.
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Incisors, those small teeth at the front, aren’t just there for show. Cats use them to groom themselves, nibble off meat, and even pluck feathers or fur from prey. You’ll often see your cat using them like a fine-tooth comb.
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Premolars and molars, especially the carnassial pair (upper fourth premolar and lower first molar), act like scissors. They slice meat into smaller pieces so it’s easier to swallow. Unlike us, cats don’t grind their food they cut it. That’s why they don’t have flat molars like humans do.
So why all the sharpness? It’s simple: Sharp teeth make it easier to tear muscle, slice through tendons, and even crush small bones. In the wild, this means more food with less effort. Even domestic cats haven’t lost that instinct their teeth are still optimized for a life of chasing and chomping.
Beyond eating, sharp teeth also come in handy for:
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Defense: A well-placed bite can warn off predators or rivals.
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Play: Kittens and adult cats both use gentle biting in play-fighting, which helps them practice important skills.
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Climbing and gripping: Sometimes they’ll use their teeth like anchors when pulling themselves up or grabbing onto objects.
From a health perspective, understanding your cat’s tooth structure helps explain why they don’t chew like we do and why dental care is still crucial. Their sharp teeth may be built to last, but they’re not immune to issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
In short, your cat’s teeth are a survival toolkit refined over millions of years. They’re not just sharp for fun. They’re sharp because they’re designed to hunt, eat, defend, and thrive. Even if your cat's biggest prey is a feather toy, those teeth still reflect a wild past that’s deeply rooted in every bite.
When Do Cats Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Ever noticed your kitten chewing everything in sight or suddenly acting a little cranky? That’s not just them being mischievous they’re probably teething. Just like human babies, kittens go through a natural process where they lose their baby teeth to make way for adult ones.
Most kittens start to lose their baby teeth around 3 to 4 months of age, and by the time they’re about 6 to 7 months old, their 30 adult teeth should be fully in place. The whole process happens in stages:
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3–4 months: The small incisors up front start falling out first.
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4–5 months: Next come the canines (the fang-like teeth) and premolars.
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5–7 months: Molars start coming in as part of the permanent set (these weren’t present in the baby teeth).
During this time, it’s totally normal for your kitten to chew on furniture, toys, or even your fingers. Their gums can feel sore, and chewing helps relieve the discomfort. Some kittens might drool a little, act more irritable, or show signs of mild gum redness. You might even spot a tiny tooth that’s fallen out don’t worry, many kittens swallow them without any issues.
Why does this matter to cat parents? Because knowing this timeline helps you understand your kitten’s behavior and catch any issues early. For example, if you notice that a baby tooth hasn’t fallen out but the adult tooth is already growing in, it could lead to misalignment or crowding something a vet might need to address.
Helping your kitten through teething doesn’t need to be complicated. Offering soft chew toys, keeping an eye on their gums, and scheduling regular vet visits during these months can go a long way.
So if your kitten’s being extra chewy or you notice a tooth on the floor, don’t panic it’s all part of growing up. This teething phase is just another step in their journey from playful kitten to healthy adult cat.
What are the Common Cat Dental Problems to watch for?
Cats might not smile the way we do, but their dental health plays a huge role in their overall well-being. While it’s easy to miss what’s going on inside their mouths, ignoring dental problems can lead to real pain and even serious health issues. Here are the most common cat dental problems you should keep an eye out for and why they matter.
1. Gingivitis
This is one of the earliest signs of dental trouble. Gingivitis happens when plaque builds up along the gumline, causing redness, swelling, and irritation.
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Signs to watch for: red or swollen gums, bad breath, slight bleeding when chewing or brushing
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Why it matters? If caught early, gingivitis can be reversed with proper care. If not, it can lead to more serious problems like periodontal disease.
2. Periodontal Disease
This is what gingivitis can turn into if left untreated. It affects not just the gums but also the structures that support the teeth.
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Signs: bad breath, loose or missing teeth, difficulty eating, inflamed or receding gums
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Risk: It’s more than just a mouth problem advanced periodontal disease can affect the heart, kidneys, and other organs.
3. Tooth Resorption
Tooth resorption is surprisingly common in cats. It’s when the tooth starts breaking down from the inside, often below the gumline.
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Signs: drooling, pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat hard food, visible red spots or holes in the teeth
- Treatment: A vet usually needs to remove the affected teeth to prevent further pain and infection.
4. Stomatitis
This is a severe and painful inflammation that goes beyond the gums. Stomatitis can affect the entire mouth, including the tongue and throat.
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Signs: excessive drooling, refusal to eat, bad breath, visibly red and inflamed mouth
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Treatment: Often requires a combination of medications or, in severe cases, full-mouth tooth extractions.
5. Fractured or Broken Teeth
Cats can break their teeth from accidents, falls, or chewing on something too hard.
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Signs: missing tooth pieces, swelling around the face, discomfort while eating
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Why it matters? Exposed nerves or roots can lead to infection or abscesses.
6. Retained Baby Teeth
Sometimes, a Cats baby tooth doesn’t fall out like it should, and the adult tooth comes in right next to it.
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Signs: crowded or crooked teeth, persistent bad breath, buildup of tartar
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Fix: A vet may need to remove the leftover baby tooth to prevent long-term dental issues.
7. Oral Tumors
Although not super common, oral tumors do occur in cats and can be serious.
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Signs: visible lumps, difficulty chewing, bleeding in the mouth, weight loss
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Action: A biopsy is usually needed to determine whether the tumor is benign or cancerous.
How to Stay Ahead of Dental Problems?
- Schedule regular vet checkups, especially once your cat is past the kitten stage.
- Try brushing your cat’s teeth with vet-approved toothpaste (yes, it's possible!).
- Offer dental treats or vet-recommended kibble that helps reduce plaque.
- Don’t ignore the signs: bad breath, drooling, or changes in eating habits should be taken seriously.
Cats can’t tell us when something’s wrong in their mouth but by knowing what to look for and acting early, you can help prevent discomfort and protect their overall health. A little dental care now goes a long way toward keeping your cat happy and healthy for years to come.