Teeth are a crucial part of our anatomy. We all evolved to have teeth to better consume our prey, and this is exactly the same in cats. It is an effective method of cats eating their food. But it has only been in recent years that cat owners have paid more attention to dental care in their feline companions. Poor dental hygiene will have an impact on their teeth but can also impact the organs in their body, so let us help you through every aspect of your feline’s “fangs. ”
Teething in Kittens
From 2 weeks old, the deciduous incisors start to come in. Between 3 and 4 weeks are where the deciduous canines (the long-pointed teeth) begin to come in. Between 4 and 6 weeks the deciduous premolars come in, and by 8 weeks is when all the baby teeth have come in. Around the 3-month mark is when the kitten’s teeth will begin to fall out to make way for the incisors between 12 and 16 weeks. And between 4 and 6 months are when the premolars, molars, and canines make their appearance. By the time your cat is 7 months old, all their adult teeth should be developed. And if you are wondering how many teeth cats have: 26 teeth are present in kittens, while adult cats have 30.
Diseases That Can Affect Cat’s Teeth
There are many diseases that can affect your cat’s teeth which requires regular care and observation. The most common is gingivitis. Gingivitis in cats is much like us humans and is an inflammation of the gums. There are other diseases caused by a buildup of plaque such as periodontal disease. Inflammation of the dental pulp can result in endodontic disease. There are also diseases such as stomatitis, tooth abscesses, and feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions, more commonly known as cavities.
Looking After Your Cat’s Teeth
You need to ensure you are caring for your cat’s teeth properly by doing the following:
- Clean your cat's teeth on a regular basis. To do this effectively, you need to buy a special cat toothpaste from the vet. You should never use human toothpaste on your cat as certain cleaning agents can be very harmful if they swallow it. Use a moistened toothbrush with soft bristles. You should try to brush your cat's teeth every day if possible.
- Encourage your cat to chew as much as possible. You need to give your cat chicken necks or wings and chunky pieces of meat like beef. Encouraging your cat to work harder to chew these items will help them look after their teeth.
- You should also check your cat's teeth for any signs of disease on a regular basis. If you notice tartar on the teeth, red or inflamed gums, or missing teeth, these could be signs of disease. If you see anything, get in in touch with your vet straight away.
While we know we need to take care of our teeth, we should make our cat’s teeth a priority as well.