Having a kitten can be lots of fun! But they’ll need help, like when they’re teething.
Most cats go through without an issue, but it can be a pain — literally.
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Read this post to make sure you know what to do.
Is teething the same with kittens as it is with babies?
Actually, it’s incredibly similar. Kittens have no teeth at all when they’re both, just like humans.
At two weeks, they’ll develop their first teeth. They’re called deciduous teeth.
The first ones that come through will be the incisors.
At four weeks, they’ll get their four canine teeth.
They start developing their eight premolars at six weeks.
By eight weeks, they should have all twenty-four of their teeth.
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Your kitten will start losing their first set of teeth (baby teeth) at four months.
At the same time, the adult teeth will come through to replace them.
It happens at the same time. This should take a couple of months.
By six months, most of their teeth should have come through.
This is when they’ll develop their last four molars.
Finally, when they’re eight months old, they should have all thirty adult teeth through. Hooray!
This sounds like it’s easy. But of course, it can get more complicated.
What problems can happen when my kitten starts teething?
Human babies can find it painful when their teeth come through.
That’s why they cry a lot during this period. But just because kittens don’t cry doesn’t mean they’re not in pain too.
Symptoms of pain when teething can be:
• Pawing at their face.
• Drool. The mouth produces more saliva during the teething process. It helps break up the baby teeth.
• Eat less or stop eating altogether.
• See specks of blood in their water. It’s a sign their teeth are coming through.
• Chew at things. This can help relieve the pain.
These signs can be hard to spot. Watch your kitten’s behavior.
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Eventually, you should be able to tell if they’re hurting.
My kitten’s hurting — how can I help them?
Thankfully there are many ways to ease their pain.
You can give them chew toys. Some are specifically made for kittens while they’re teething.
They’ll love playing with them!
If he isn’t eating, give him soft foods. They can be high protein, wet food, or purée fish — try to give them food they really like.
It’ll be easy to eat, and they’ll love it.
Another recommendation is teething granules.
It’s a homeopathic remedy and can stimulate an immune response to relieve the pain.
You can try brushing your kitten’s teeth. This can be hard.
Brushing their teeth is extremely challenging if your kitten doesn’t trust you.
You’re likely to have only had them for a short length of time, so it’s difficult to have a strong bond.
Take your time introducing the toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s probably weird for them.
While brushing your cat’s teeth is difficult, it’s worth persevering.
Cats can suffer from dental disease, even as young as three years old.
Brushing your cat’s teeth is extremely important. It’s much better to introduce it earlier.
Finally, give your kitten some space! Toothache’s really painful – I know from personal experience!
Your kitten will feel the same. They may even lash out a little, and you could get caught.
Observe your kitten’s behavior and stay away if they seem irritated.
Should I take my kitten to the vet for teething problems?
If you’re worried about your kitten being in pain, of course, you can see a vet.
Usually, they’ll be fine and get through this with ease.
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A good time to take them to the vet is if you’re worried about all their teeth coming through.
Especially if you notice a baby tooth has fallen out, but no adult tooth comes through to replace it.
It could be stuck in the gum, leading to problems like overcrowding. It’ll be incredibly painful for your kitten.
Keep an eye on their teeth. If you’re uncertain whether they’re developing correctly, take them to the vet.
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Kitten teething shouldn’t be a major problem. Be aware of the signs of pain and discomfort.
Any problems, take them to the vet. Share your experiences with your cat in the comments below!
