When do a cat's fangs grow? - briefly
A cat's fangs, or canine teeth, begin to grow when they are around 3 to 4 weeks old, replacing their initial baby teeth as they mature. By 6 months, most cats have fully developed adult fangs.
When do a cat's fangs grow? - in detail
A cat's fangs, also known as canine teeth, begin to develop during the early stages of its life. Kittens are born without visible teeth, but their primary (deciduous) teeth start to emerge at around 2 to 4 weeks of age. The canine teeth, which are the long, pointed fangs, typically appear between 3 to 4 weeks. These primary teeth are essential for a kitten's initial development, aiding in grasping and tearing food. By the time a kitten reaches 6 to 8 weeks of age, all 26 primary teeth, including the canines, are usually fully erupted. As the kitten matures, these primary teeth are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. The transition from primary to permanent teeth begins at around 3 to 4 months of age, with the permanent canines emerging by 5 to 6 months. By the age of 6 to 7 months, most cats have their full set of 30 permanent teeth, including the fully developed fangs. The growth and replacement of a cat's teeth are natural processes that ensure they have strong, functional teeth for hunting, eating, and self-defense throughout their lives. Proper dental care, including regular check-ups and cleaning, is crucial to maintaining the health of a cat's teeth, including its fangs, as they age.