What teeth does a cat change? - briefly
A cat changes its deciduous teeth, also known as baby or milk teeth, for permanent adult teeth. This process typically begins at around 3-4 months of age and is completed by approximately 6-7 months.
What teeth does a cat change? - in detail
Cats are fascinating creatures with a unique dental structure and pattern of tooth replacement. Unlike humans, who only experience one set of tooth replacement from deciduous (baby) teeth to permanent teeth, cats undergo two distinct phases of dentition during their lifespan.
The first phase occurs when kittens are born. Newborn kittens have no visible teeth. However, within a few days after birth, the deciduous (milk or baby) teeth begin to erupt. This initial set of teeth includes 26 deciduous teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 10 premolars. The deciduous teeth are smaller and have less pronounced roots compared to their permanent counterparts. They play a crucial role in the kitten's development by helping with nursing and later transitioning to solid food.
The second phase of tooth replacement takes place when the kitten is around 3-4 months old. During this period, the deciduous teeth start to fall out, making way for the permanent teeth. The process of tooth replacement in cats is gradual and can take several weeks to complete. Unlike humans, where all baby teeth are replaced simultaneously, cats lose their deciduous teeth one by one, and each lost tooth is replaced by a permanent tooth almost immediately.
The adult cat's dentition consists of 30 permanent teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars. The incisors are used for grooming and nibbling, the canines (often referred to as fangs) are used for hunting and defense, while the premolars and molars are essential for chewing and grinding food.
It is important to note that cats do not have a set of wisdom teeth. The last teeth to erupt in a cat's mouth are the upper fourth premolar and lower first molar, which typically appear around 4-5 months of age. These teeth complete the permanent dentition of an adult cat.
Understanding the dental development and replacement process in cats is essential for pet owners to ensure proper oral care and hygiene. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect any issues early on, such as retained deciduous teeth or dental disease, which can affect a cat's overall health and well-being.