Kitten Teething: Age and How to Tell a Kitten's Age by Teeth

Kittens typically start teething around four weeks of age. The growth and replacement of a cat's teeth follow a predictable pattern, which can often be used as a guide to estimate their age. By five weeks old, a kitten's baby teeth (milk teeth) should all be present, and the replacement of their canine teeth begins around five months of age.

The Stages of Kitten Teething

The growth and replacement of a kitten's teeth are quite regular. By observing a kitten's teeth, you can often make a fairly accurate estimation of their age. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the teething process:

Initial Teething (3-4 Weeks)

Around three to four weeks of age, kittens start to develop their deciduous canine teeth (the four pointy teeth - two on the top jaw and two on the bottom) and the upper incisors (the small front teeth on the top jaw).

Full Set of Milk Teeth (5 Weeks)

By the time they reach five weeks old, kittens should have a full set of their milk teeth.

Permanent Teeth Eruption (5 Months Onward)

Starting from about five months of age, kittens begin to lose their milk teeth and grow their permanent adult teeth. The canine teeth are typically the first to be replaced. During this time, you may notice some redness in the gums around the canine teeth, a sign that new teeth are about to emerge. Over the following week or two, you might see four canine teeth – two in the same spot – with one being slightly larger. This larger tooth is the new adult tooth pushing out the milk tooth. As the new tooth grows, the milk tooth will become loose and eventually fall out.

Caring for a Teething Kitten

During the four to five-month period when kittens are going through teething, they may experience a decreased appetite. At this stage, it's important to:

• Monitor their teeth: Regularly check their mouth to observe their teeth's growth and development.
• Provide soft food: Offer soft, easy-to-chew food to protect their new, emerging teeth. This will help them eat comfortably during this sensitive time.