How many milk teeth change in cats? - briefly
Cats typically have 26 deciduous teeth, also known as milk teeth or baby teeth. As they transition into adulthood, these milk teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, with all changes usually completed by the time cats reach about six months of age.
How many milk teeth change in cats? - in detail
Cats, like humans and other mammals, undergo a process called dentition where their baby teeth (milk teeth) are replaced by permanent adult teeth. In cats, this process occurs in two distinct phases: deciduous dentition and permanent dentition.
During the first phase of deciduous dentition, which typically begins when kittens are around 2-4 weeks old, the milk teeth start to erupt. Cats have a total of 26 deciduous teeth, consisting of 12 incisors (front teeth), 4 canines (fangs), and 10 premolars. These milk teeth serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth and help kittens learn to chew and eat solid food.
The second phase of dentition, known as permanent dentition, begins when cats are approximately 3-4 months old. During this phase, the milk teeth start to fall out, and the permanent adult teeth erupt in their place. Cats have a total of 30 permanent teeth, which include 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars (back teeth used for grinding food).
The process of losing milk teeth and the eruption of permanent teeth typically occurs gradually over several months. By the time a cat reaches 6-7 months old, most of the adult teeth have erupted, and the milk teeth have fallen out. However, it is not uncommon for some milk teeth to remain in place until the cat is around 9 months old.
It is essential to monitor your cat's dental health during this transition period to ensure that any retained milk teeth are removed promptly. Retained milk teeth can cause issues such as overcrowding, misalignment of permanent teeth, and even tooth resorption in adult cats. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper dental care can help prevent these problems and promote your cat's overall oral health.