Which teeth fall out in cats? - briefly
In cats, deciduous (baby) teeth typically start falling out around the age of 3-4 months. These include the incisors and canines first, followed by the premolars at around 4 months.
Which teeth fall out in cats? - in detail
In cats, as in humans and many other mammals, there are two sets of teeth: deciduous (milk) teeth and permanent teeth. The deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth or primary teeth, are temporary and eventually fall out to make way for the permanent teeth. This process is crucial for proper dental development and overall oral health in cats.
Deciduous teeth typically start erupting when a kitten is about 2-4 weeks old. By the time they reach 3-4 months of age, most deciduous teeth have fallen out, completing the process of tooth replacement. The sequence and timing of this process can vary slightly among individual cats, but generally follows a predictable pattern.
The first teeth to erupt in kittens are the incisors, which are the small front teeth used for nibbling and grooming. In total, there are 12 deciduous incisors that fall out between 3-5 months of age. They are replaced by 12 permanent incisors.
Next to erupt are the canines, which are the long, pointed teeth used for grasping and tearing food. There are four deciduous canine teeth in kittens, two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. These fall out between 3-4 months of age and are replaced by four permanent canine teeth.
The premolars, which are used for chewing and grinding food, are the last to erupt. In kittens, there are 10 deciduous premolar teeth, five on each side of the upper and lower jaws. These fall out between 3-4 months of age and are replaced by 10 permanent premolar teeth.
It's important to note that cats do not have deciduous molars. The first set of molars in cats are permanent and erupt when the cat is around 4-5 months old. These are the final teeth to appear, completing the development of a full set of permanent teeth by approximately 6-7 months of age.
During the teething process, kittens may experience some discomfort or irritability due to the pressure of new teeth pushing through the gums. Providing them with appropriate chew toys can help alleviate this discomfort and promote healthy dental development. Regular veterinary check-ups are also essential to monitor the tooth replacement process and address any potential issues that may arise.
In conclusion, the deciduous teeth in cats include 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 10 premolars, all of which fall out between 3-5 months of age to be replaced by permanent teeth. This natural process is an essential part of a cat's dental development, leading to a healthy and functional adult dentition.