How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

Curious about feline dentistry? Discover how many teeth cats have, their types, roles, and common dental issues. Essential info for keeping your kitty’s smile healthy.

How Many Teeth Do Cats Have?

Gather ‘round, folks. Let’s talk about feline dentistry. It’s one of those topics that’s strangely overlooked but endlessly fascinating. I mean, how many of us actually sit down to count the teeth in our cat’s mouth? I would wager not many. Yet, understanding your cat’s dental make-up can actually be crucial for their health and well-being. So, grab a cup of coffee or maybe some catnip tea, and let’s sink our teeth into this.

Adult Cats vs. Kittens: A Tale of Two Tooth Sets

Alright, let’s get this straight: cats are not born with teeth. I mean, could you imagine? A tiny, toothy kitten would almost be too much fluffy/bitey adorableness to handle. But luckily for us — and for them — they’re toothless at birth. Kittens start developing milk teeth, or deciduous teeth if you want to get fancy, at around three weeks old.

By the time a kitten is about six months old, they have a full set of their first teeth — 26 little, sharp baby daggers. These milk teeth eventually give way to an adult set, much like how human children have baby teeth that fall out. Cats lose their baby teeth at around four to six months old, and adult teeth come in to replace them. So, when all is said and done, a fully grown cat will have 30 permanent teeth. If only we humans changed into something that practical!

Breaking It Down: Types of Teeth

So, a cat’s 30 teeth can be categorized into different types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Why should we care? Because each type of tooth has its own job to do, and understanding this can help you recognize if something is amiss in your cat’s mouth.

Incisors

These are the tiny, almost inconspicuous teeth at the front. Cats have twelve of them — six on the top and six on the bottom. You might think of them as the Swiss Army knives of cat teeth. They’re multi-purpose little workers, used for tasks like grooming and picking up food. Plus, they maintain your cat’s sassy vampire aesthetic when biting the air.

Canines

Ah, the canines — probably the most recognizable of all. Four in total, with two on the top and two on the bottom. These are the impressive, elongated teeth that make a cat look fearsome and dignified. Canines are made for capturing and holding onto prey, a handy feature for wild cats, even if your domestic furball only hunts the occasional bug or misplaced hair tie.

Premolars

Premolars are the middle child of the dental world — less flashy than canines, but still important. Cats have ten premolars, four on the top and six on the bottom. They’re used for shearing and slicing food into small, manageable pieces, much like the prep work you’d do before throwing vegetables into a stir-fry.

Molars

Last but certainly not least, we have molars. These are the heavy-duty grinders in your cat’s mouth. Cats have four molars, two on the top and two on the bottom. While their primary function is to grind down food, in the domestic realm they might just be working overtime crunching on kibble.

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing how many teeth cats have and their specific functions is not just trivia for your next Jeopardy! audition — it can impact the health and longevity of your feline friend. Dental problems in cats can lead to serious issues, such as infections that might spread to other parts of the body. Routinely checking your cat’s teeth can help catch these problems early.

Common Dental Issues in Cats

Speaking of dental problems, there’s a range of issues that our furry friends might face. Let’s walk through some of the common culprits, because being informed is the first step toward being proactive.

Periodontal Disease

This is the granddaddy of cat dental problems. Periodontal disease starts with plaque buildup that turns into tartar. If left untreated, it can lead to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and even more severe health problems. You might notice signs like bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty eating. Imagine trying to chew a steak with a toothache — ouch!

Tooth Resorption

This is a fancy term for a painful condition where a cat’s body starts to break down and absorb the structures of the tooth. The reasons behind this are still a bit of a mystery, but it’s astonishingly common, affecting more than half of adult cats. Symptoms include sensitivity to touch around the mouth and difficulty eating. If your cat starts picking the soft bits out of their food and leaving the crunchy bits behind, they might be trying to tell you something.

Broken Teeth

Cats can fracture their teeth for various reasons — maybe they bit down too hard on a toy or were involved in a scuffle. A broken tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to infections and abscesses, causing your cat considerable pain. If you notice your feline avoiding their regular kibble or favoring one side of their mouth, it’s time to play dental detective.

Prevention is Key: Maintaining Your Cat’s Dental Health

So what can you do to help maintain those 30 pearly whites (or slightly less pearly, if we’re being honest)? A proactive approach is crucial.

Regular Check-ups

First and foremost, regular vet visits are essential. A professional can do a thorough examination and identify potential issues before they escalate. Think of it as your cat’s biannual spa day — complete with an oral health check.

At-Home Dental Care

Next up is something that strikes fear into the hearts of many cat owners: at-home dental care. Yes, I’m talking about brushing your cat’s teeth. It sounds daunting, and truth be told, it can be. But it doesn’t have to be an epic battle. Start slow, using specialized toothpaste and a cat-sized toothbrush. Get your cat used to the idea gradually, and maybe — just maybe — over time they’ll tolerate it. Or at the very least, you’ll share a story about your war wounds at your next gathering.

Dental Treats and Toys

Then there are dental treats and toys designed to promote oral health. These can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Think of them as the floss and mouthwash of the cat world, but way more fun (and delicious).

A Peek Inside: How Cats Lose Teeth

Just like human beings, cats can also lose teeth as they age. However, understanding why a cat may lose teeth can help you figure out if it’s a normal part of aging or a sign of something more problematic.

Natural Loss

Some tooth loss, especially in senior cats, can be natural. As they grow older, just like us, their teeth may become weaker. It’s somewhat analogous to the wisdom teeth situation with humans — they disappear, but life goes on.

Disease and Injury

However, not all tooth loss in cats should be dismissed as age-related. Periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and injuries are major contributors to tooth loss. If you notice a tooth has gone missing and your cat is relatively young, it’s worth a vet visit to determine the underlying cause.

My Personal Feline Dental Adventure

So, let me regale you with a personal story. My cat, Sir Whiskers McFluffernutter (SWM for short), once had a mysterious bout of bad breath. Now, normally his breath wasn’t exactly minty fresh, but this was something else — like he’d been dining exclusively on spoiled anchovies. A quick look in his mouth (a hard-won endeavor, mind you) showed reddened gums and a missing premolar. A trip to the vet confirmed periodontal disease. SWM had to undergo a professional cleaning and a tooth extraction — a process that involved more stress (for both of us) than I’d care to recall.

The good news? Post-treatment, SWM got back to his high-spirited shenanigans, and I became the embarrassed owner who now brushes his cat’s teeth. I still bear the scars, both emotional and physical, but I’ve never regretted taking that step for a second.

Conclusion: The Tooth, The Whole Tooth, and Nothing But the Tooth

So there you have it — a comprehensive deep dive into the dental universe of our feline friends. Cats have 30 adult teeth, grouped into incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, each with its own role. Dental issues like periodontal disease, tooth resorption, and broken teeth are common but manageable with regular check-ups and at-home care.

In the grand scheme of pet ownership, dental health might seem like just another box to check, but it’s crucial for your cat’s overall well-being. A healthy mouth makes for a happy cat, and who doesn’t want their little furball to be in tip-top shape?

I hope you found this article as enlightening as a surprise cuddly visit from your cat. If you did, please clap for this article, leave a comment to share your own kitty dental adventures, and subscribe to my Medium newsletter for more feline insights and tips. Here’s to keeping those kitty grins gleaming!