Do cats change their teeth? Every cat owner has probably wondered if cats also go through the process of renewing their teeth and if it is similar to changing teeth in humans. At around four to seven months of age, cats start to change their teeth. But this is nothing to worry about, right? This process of changing cat teeth is natural and part of the human body.Some kittens cope well with the change, others are more agonized and feel more discomfort, which requires more attention and care from the guardian.

To be able to help your furry friend in the best way, it is important to know how to identify the signs of teething, understand how it happens and how to help your cat to relieve the discomfort of this process. That is why we have put together everything you need to know about teething in cats.

Do cats have milk teeth?

Just like humans, felines don't have teeth when they are born. Around three weeks of age this scenario changes: this is when the cat has milk teeth, basically 26 of them. Once they start to grow, the little teeth break through and pierce the gums, which can cause discomfort. At this stage, you will notice that your kitten is behaving differently - for example, the kittenNo need to worry, this is completely normal, however, you must always be careful not to let the kitten chew on things that can be swallowed or cause accidents, such as some wire or even the protective screen. To alleviate the discomfort, you can offer some kitten bite toys, which are suitable for kittens.are specially made for this purpose and will not damage your kitty's mini teeth.

Cats change teeth, but how does it happen?

By around six weeks of age, most kittens will have all their milk teeth. They are very fine, small and sharp, ready to crunch their kitten food. If all their teeth have not yet grown in at this stage, don't worry, not all kittens' teeth are born and grow at the same rate, some have a slower process than others. However, if younotice that there are still several teeth missing after your kitten has exceeded eight months, it is indicated to take him to the vet to check that everything is fine.

At around four months of age, a cat's teeth change begins and the milk teeth start to fall out to make way for the fixed teeth. If you've ever wondered how many teeth a cat has, the answer is this: there are 26 milk teeth that are slowly replaced by 30 adult teeth. At this stage, the annoying change of teeth for kittens is more intense. The new teeth will be theThe last set of teeth your cat will have, meaning they only go through the process of changing teeth once in their lifetime, just like humans. If your cat is losing teeth after they are an adult, this could be a sign of a periodontal problem and you should take them to a specialist vet.

Identify the symptoms of tooth replacement in cats

Changing milk teeth to fixed teeth can even lead to changes in your cat's behaviour. The most obvious signs of dental discomfort during teething are:

1) Lack of appetite - If your cat is chewing more slowly than usual, or is more hesitant to eat, it may be a sign that their gums are hurting. If your kitten doesn't want to eat at all, they may be in pain. If your cat is not eating for a long time and you notice weight loss, it's time to take them to the vet.

2) Excessive chewing - Another sign that your kitten is in the teething process is excessive chewing. If your cat is chewing on everything in sight, including his bed, the furniture in the house and his toys, it could be a sign that tooth replacement has begun.

3) Inflamed and sore gums - As adult teeth begin to appear, kittens may experience mild gingivitis, which can lead to inflamed gums and bad breath. If this is due to teething, it will resolve over time. If the inflammation persists, it may be a sign of a chronic condition or other oral health problem, and it is necessary to consult a veterinary dentist to investigate the condition.table.

4) Irritability - Anyone gets irritated when they have a toothache, right? With kittens it's no different: they get more irritable and in a bad mood when they are bothered by the discomfort of changing teeth.

Cats may show excessive salivation and bleeding gums during tooth replacement, which are more unusual signs and indicate that you should consult a trusted veterinarian.

What to do to help when your cat changes teeth?

While changing teeth in cats is usually not a cause for concern, you can give your kitten extra support during feline teething to make them more comfortable during this phase:

• Keep track of the tooth change by looking in your kitten's mouth daily. You probably won't find a stray tooth lying around, because cats usually swallow their milk tooth (and there's nothing wrong with that), which is eliminated through their faeces. So it's ideal to keep an eye on your kitten's smile to notice any changes.

• Be careful when playing with your kitten and avoid pulling toys that it has picked up in its mouth. This can end up damaging or causing pain to the kitten.

• Avoid brushing your cat's teeth during this time. With sensitive gums, your kitten may feel pain and associate brushing with something unpleasant.

• Offer more sachets so your cat doesn't have to chew as hard. Alternatively, soften the food with a little warm water to form a paste.

• Get any unsuitable objects and food out of the reach of cats. When felines start to change their teeth, they may try to chew on anything they see in front of them. Charger cables may look particularly attractive to your teething kitten, so make sure you hide them well.

• Plants that are poisonous to cats should also be taken out of reach. If you have any in your home, such as lilies and pansies, prevent your cat from getting close to them. If your cat shows an interest in chewing on furniture, try keeping it in a separate room from that furniture or cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap.

• Just like during the teething phase, you can offer cat chews at this stage. By turning his attention to the toy, your kitten will put aside furniture, cables and small plants. Chews help to relieve your kitten's discomfort, especially if he likes to chew. These toys are usually made of rubber or silicone to relieve itching and do not irritate the skin.damage the teeth.

When to go to the vet about changing teeth

Although it is a natural process, tooth replacement in cats can have some setbacks and, if this happens, it is best to seek a veterinarian specializing in feline dentistry to solve the problem right away. Some things that need professional treatment are: intense inflammation in the gums, presence of pus, teeth born assembled or very crooked. Another case that also needs professional treatment isveterinary follow-up is when the permanent tooth begins to appear but the milk tooth has not yet fallen out. In this case, if the milk tooth is not extracted by a professional, keeping both teeth can end up having future problems, such as the accumulation of tartar in the cat , which causes periodontal diseases such as chronic gingivitis.

Oral health: what should I do after my cat has teething?

The care of your cat's oral health should not only take place during teething. Permanent teeth also need care to avoid problems in the future. Brushing a cat's teeth is very similar to that of a dog, but it has two differences. The ideal is to start brushing while still a puppy, as he tends to accept it better and learns this routine. To brush your cat's teeth, it isYou will need to provide a suitable paste for this purpose, sold in pet stores. This type of product is usually palatable and cats tend to accept it better. In addition, you will need to provide a cat toothbrush, which is also sold in pet stores.

The ideal is to get your cat used to brushing from a young age. The tip is to start gradually. For the first few days, massage your cat's gums with your finger dipped in toothpaste to get him used to it. This will help him get used to the taste. Only after this adaptation process, start using the brush.

Positive reinforcement also works here: before, during and after brushing, give your cat a treat or a cuddle. At first, your cat may find it strange, but over time he will be willing to let you brush him. If he is willing, brush your cat's teeth daily. However, if the process is too stressful for him, brushing can be done every other day or once a week.every two days.