Cat Teeth Facts Every Cat Parent Should Know
Don’t you just love your cat’s tiny teeth? They really are fascinating.
They are completely different from human and even dog teeth.
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their teeth are designed to hunt, kill, and tear meat from prey.
Cat Teeth Facts That Explain Their Design
- Cats cannot get cavities
Their teeth are sharp and pointed with no flat surfaces where cavities can form. - Cats have baby teeth and permanent teeth
Cats have 26 baby teeth and 30 permanent teeth. Their kitten teeth fall out around 6 to 7 months of age and are replaced by teeth built for a carnivore diet. - Cat tooth enamel is thinner than human enamel
This makes their teeth more prone to breaking and cracking. - Cat dental disease is extremely common
Nearly 80 percent of cats will develop some form of dental disease by the age of 3. Cats are very good at hiding pain, so the signs are often subtle.
Common signs of dental issues in cats include
- Eating less
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling
- Avoiding food
- Cats do not chew their food
Without flat teeth, most kibble is swallowed whole. This is why you may see whole pieces when they vomit and why a moisture rich, complete and balanced, species appropriate diet is so important. - Cats use their teeth for grooming
Their 12 small incisors help them nibble through their coat to remove dirt and loose fur. They also use them to clean around their claws, which is one of the reasons cats are such naturally clean animals.
Common Cat Dental Health Problems
While cats do not get cavities, they are still prone to serious dental disease without proper care.
Common dental issues in cats include
Left untreated, dental disease can cause other scary health issues – impacting other organs, including the heart and kidneys.
How to Care for Your Cat’s Teeth Naturally
Dental care is one of the most important things you can do to support your cat’s overall health.
Simple ways to support cat dental health include
- Brushing their teeth using a species appropriate toothbrush
- Applying organic coconut oil to help reduce bacteria
- Offering raw, meaty bones once or twice a week to support natural cleaning
- Supporting the oral microbiome with an additive like TEEF
- When it’s time for a cleaning, please follow the do’s and don’ts of dental care for cats from Dr. Katie Kangas!
Cat Dental Health and Longevity
Our cats are incredible creatures, and the more we understand their unique nature, the better we can care for them and support their health.
Learning how susceptible their teeth are to dental disease is one of the most important lessons we have learned.
We hope these cat teeth facts help you avoid the same mistakes and support your cat in living a long, healthy, pain free, and happy life!
FAQ About Cat Teeth and Dental Health
What age do cats lose their baby teeth
Cats typically lose their baby teeth around 6 to 7 months of age as their adult teeth come in.
Can cats get cavities
No, cats do not get cavities because their teeth do not have flat surfaces where cavities form.
How can I tell if my cat has dental pain
Cats hide pain well, but signs include eating less, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and avoiding food.
Is kibble good for cat dental health
No, most cats swallow kibble whole, so it does not effectively clean their teeth. Kibble is also full of carbs and starches which actually accelerate dental issues.
What is the best way to care for cat teeth
Brushing, feeding a moisture rich species appropriate diet, offering raw meaty bones, and supporting the oral microbiome are all effective ways to support dental health.
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