Yes, cat teeth fall out just like human teeth. However, the timing and reasons for tooth loss in cats may differ from humans. For example, kittens have deciduous (baby) teeth that start to come in at about two weeks of age, and they start to lose these baby teeth at around 3.5-4 months old.
Also, their teeth can become damaged, infected, or worn down as cats age, leading to tooth loss. Tooth loss can also be caused by periodontal disease, a common dental condition in cats. In severe cases, the affected teeth may need to be extracted by a veterinarian to prevent further damage or infection.
Maintaining good dental hygiene for your cat is important to prevent dental problems and tooth loss. This includes regular teeth brushing, annual dental checkups with your veterinarian, and providing dental treats or toys to help keep your cat’s teeth clean.
Signs Your Cat Is Teething
Chewing
Kittens may start to chew on objects more frequently as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. As the new teeth break through the gums, they can cause discomfort and irritation in the mouth, leading to an instinct to chew and bite down on objects.
Chewing can also help to relieve sore and swollen gums, as it stimulates blood flow and can help to ease the pain associated with teething. In addition, kittens may chew on various objects, including toys, furniture, and household items like shoes or clothing.
To help manage your kitten’s chewing behavior during teething, it is important to provide them with appropriate toys and objects designed for teething kittens. These can include soft, rubbery toys that are gentle on the gums and chew toys made of harder materials that can help strengthen teeth and jaws.
It is also important to discourage your kitten from chewing on inappropriate objects, such as furniture or electrical cords, by providing plenty of alternatives and redirecting their attention when necessary.
Drooling
Drooling is a common sign of cat teething, as the process of new teeth emerging can cause irritation and discomfort in the mouth. As a result, kittens may produce excess saliva and drool more frequently than usual during this time.
Cat drooling during teething is typically temporary and should resolve once the new teeth fully emerge. However, excessive drooling or drooling accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea may indicate a more serious underlying health issue and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
To help manage your kitten’s drooling during teething, you can provide plenty of water and monitor their eating habits to ensure they still consume enough food. Soft, wet food may be more comfortable for them to eat during this time, as it is easier to chew and swallow.
Maintaining good dental hygiene during teething is also important to help prevent further irritation and discomfort. Brushing your kitten’s teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for cats can help to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
Discomfort
Discomfort is a common sign of cat teething, as the process of new teeth emerging can cause irritation and inflammation in the gums, leading to pain and discomfort in the mouth. As a result, kittens may paw at their mouth or shake their head and appear irritable or in pain.
The discomfort associated with teething is a natural and temporary issue that typically resolves once the new teeth have fully emerged. However, some kittens may experience more severe or prolonged discomfort during this time and may require additional measures to manage their symptoms.
To help manage your kitten’s discomfort during teething, you can provide them with appropriate chew toys and objects designed to soothe sore gums and encourage healthy chewing habits.
Additionally, you can offer your kitten wet or softened dry food to make eating more comfortable and monitor their water intake to ensure they stay hydrated. If your kitten is experiencing severe discomfort or appears to be in pain, you can speak to your veterinarian about possible pain management options.
Loss of Appetite
Their baby teeth falling out and adult teeth growing in can cause soreness in their gums. This can make it uncomfortable for your cat to eat hard foods or to chew their food properly. As a result, your cat may lose their appetite, eat less frequently, or refuse to eat altogether.
Additionally, teething can cause your cat to feel irritable, lethargic, or even have a fever, contributing to its appetite loss. You may also notice your cat drooling more than usual, pawing at their mouth, or rubbing their face against surfaces to relieve their discomfort.
It is important to note that loss of appetite can be a sign of other health issues in cats. So, if your cat is experiencing prolonged loss of appetite or other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care. Your veterinarian can help determine if your cat is teething or if another underlying health issue needs to be addressed.
Bleeding Gums
The inflammation due to teething can make your cat’s gums more sensitive, and they may bleed when your cat chews on hard foods or when you brush their teeth. You may also notice some redness in your cat’s gums, indicating inflammation.
It is important to note that while some bleeding may be normal during the teething process, excessive bleeding or bleeding that lasts for a prolonged period can be a sign of an underlying dental issue or infection. For example, if you notice your cat’s gums bleeding excessively or seeming in pain, it is important to seek veterinary care.
The Importance of Dental Health in Teething Cats
Dental health is important in teething cats because it lays the foundation for good oral health. The teething process is an essential part of a kitten’s development as it helps to ensure that they will have strong, healthy teeth as adults.
Proper dental care during the teething process can help prevent dental problems from developing later in life. For example, if a kitten’s teeth are not coming in properly or chewing on appropriate items, it can lead to malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or other dental problems.
In addition, teething kittens are susceptible to a condition known as “feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions” (FORLs), a painful dental disease that affects the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, FORLs can lead to tooth loss and infection, seriously affecting a cat’s overall health.
It is important to regularly brush the kitten’s teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental checkups with a veterinarian can also help ensure that any dental issues are caught early and treated before they become more serious.
