Common Cat Dental Issues: Causes, Symptoms, & Solutions

Teeth Functions in Cats:

Incisors: These are the sharp, front teeth located between the canines. They come in upper and lower pairs. In herbivorous mammals, incisors are essential for cutting through food. However, in cats, they serve a different purpose. They are used for daily grooming of fur and nail maintenance, and also to hold onto food.

Canines: Known for their sharp and pointed edges, these teeth are primarily used for grasping objects and tearing into food. Situated in the sensitive gum tissue, they enable cats to detect the texture of their prey with precision.

Premolars and Molars: These teeth are designed for shearing, cutting, and chewing meat.

Cat Age Determination by Teeth:

At 14 days old, kittens begin to grow their first teeth;

By 23 weeks, the milk incisors are fully developed;

At 34 weeks, the milk canines, which are the two pointed teeth on the upper and lower jaws, start to emerge;

By approximately 2 months, all milk teeth are in place, appearing white, thin, and pointed;

At 34 months, the first set of milk incisors are replaced;

At 56 months, the second and third milk incisors, as well as the milk canines, are replaced;

By 68 months, all permanent teeth are fully grown.

After one year, the incisors on the lower jaw begin to wear down;

By 7 years, the canines start to age, becoming rounded and less sharp;

By 10 years, all the incisors on the upper jaw have typically fallen out.

It's important to note that during the teething process, cats may experience a decrease in appetite. It's crucial to monitor their teeth for any signs of abnormal growth and to provide them with easytochew food to protect their new teeth.