Change of teeth in a kitten
Most mammals are born toothless, and your kitten is no exception. For the first few weeks after birth, kittens can only feed on the milk of the mother cat. As soon as the teeth begin to erupt, it will be possible to gradually switch to solid food.
Baby teeth
The kittens are the first to have baby teeth. This happens at the age of about 2-3 weeks. In the process of growth, the number of teeth also increases — a two-month-old baby should have an average of 26 teeth. Temporary teeth differ from the molars: they are sharper, thinner and slightly smaller than permanent teeth.
Cats have four types of teeth:
- Incisors. These are the front teeth located between the canines. The cat mainly uses them to capture prey or feed.
- Fangs. They serve to capture prey and are used for protection in case of a fight with other animals.
- Premolars. С помощью премоляров кошки могут удерживать добычу, а также измельчать пищуWith the help of premolars, cats can hold prey, as well as grind food.
- Molars. Perform the same function as premolars. There are no milk molars, i.e. the pet immediately grows root molars.
Changing teeth
The change of milk teeth to permanent ones begins at about 3-4 months. The age of teeth change is the same for kittens of all breeds. As soon as a baby tooth falls out, it is almost immediately replaced by a root one. In rare cases, baby teeth fall out with a delay: this can lead to dental problems, such as malocclusion or uneven placement of permanent teeth. Also, sometimes, there may be situations when the molar is already growing, but the milk tooth has not yet fallen out. If you suspect that your pet has problems with teeth or jaw system, be sure to contact a veterinary specialist.
The order of changing milk teeth to molars is exactly the same as the order of appearance of milk teeth.
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At the age of 3-4 months, the milk incisors change to permanent ones.
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At 4-5 months, kittens begin to cut permanent fangs.
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Premolars grow up to 4-6 months.
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Molars grow at about 5 months.
How many teeth does a cat have? Your one-year-old kitten should already have 30 permanent teeth. You can handle the calculation yourself, or make an appointment for an examination at a veterinary clinic.
Oral care
Oral care of a pet is one of the foundations of its health. To avoid dental diseases in a kitten, its teeth need to be carefully monitored. Carefully inspect both the milk and molars for dirt, bite features or uneven growth.
If you have noticed a strong smell from the mouth of a cat, be sure to consult your veterinary clinic, what this may be related to. In addition to improper hygiene, perhaps your kitten is sick with something.
All problems are easier to prevent, so do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian in time.