Quality medicine, affordable price. A Country Veterinary Clinic offers quality and affordable care through our range of veterinary services. in Wilmington, NC.
02/20/2025
In honor of February being dental health month here are some facts about your cats teeth!
1. Number of Teeth: Adult cats typically have 30 teeth. Kittens have 26 deciduous (baby) teeth, which they start losing around 3-4 months of age.
2. Types of Teeth: Cats have four types of teeth:
- Incisors: These are the small teeth at the front of the mouth, used for grooming and picking up objects.
- Canines: These are the long, pointed teeth (also known as fangs) used for puncturing and holding onto prey.
- Premolars: These teeth are located behind the canines and are used for shearing meat.
- Molars: These are located at the back of the mouth and are also used for grinding food, although cats have fewer molars compared to humans.
3. Sharpness: Cat teeth are incredibly sharp, especially their canines, which are designed to deliver a killing bite to prey.
4. Dental Health: Just like humans, cats can suffer from dental issues such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are important for maintaining their oral health.
5. Growth and Replacement: Kittens are born without teeth. Their baby teeth start to come in at around 2-4 weeks of age. These are eventually replaced by permanent adult teeth by the time they are about 6 months old.
6. Functionality: Cat teeth are primarily designed for a carnivorous diet. Their sharp teeth are perfect for tearing meat. Unlike humans, cats do not have flat molars for grinding plant material.
7. Signs of Dental Problems: Common signs that a cat may have dental problems include bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and visible tartar or inflammation on the gums.
Taking care of a cat’s teeth is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Regular brushing, appropriate diet, and veterinary care can help keep their teeth in good shape.
