If you have a feline friend, you’ve likely had a glimpse of your cat’s sharp teeth — when they meow, when they eat, when they play, or possibly having experienced it first hand too, after getting nipped. (Oops!) With this, you may be wondering — How many teeth do cats have? Also, what are the different types of cat teeth and how do they function?
Let’s get to know all about cat teeth below.
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What Do Cat Teeth Look Like
So what do cats’ teeth look like? Being obligate carnivores, their teeth were designed to maintain a sharp edge. Below are the different types of cat teeth, what they look like, and how they function.
Incisors
- Small, front teeth used for snipping, similar to the way scissors do.
- These can be seen when cats nibble on cat grass, when grooming, and other similar activities.
Canine Teeth
- Often the most noticeable, these are the large and sharp fangs behind the incisors.
- Dr. Shanna Landy, DVM and dentistry and oral surgery resident at Cornell University Hospital for Animals shares that canine teeth are strong and long, and are used for hunting prey and defending themselves.
Pre-Molars
- Located in front of the molars, on both sides of the jaw.
- These teeth are sharp and have saw-like edges.
- They’re used for grasping and biting prey or breaking down food like kibble.
Molars
- These are smaller than pre-molars, located at the back of the mouth.
- Perfect for munching on kibble and other harder foods.
- To better understand a cat’s anatomy, including their teeth, the Petcube Cam is a useful gadget to invest in for the home. With a Petcube Cam, you can monitor your cat 24/7 so you won’t miss a thing.
How Many Teeth Do Cats Have
You may be wondering - do cats have around the same number of teeth as humans do? How many teeth does a cat have?
Adult Cat Teeth
How many adult teeth do cats have? In general, adult cats have 30 permanent teeth, including 12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars. Like humans, cats have 2 sets of teeth - They are born with baby teeth, which are then replaced by permanent teeth in adulthood.
On the other hand, keep in mind that some adult cats may have fewer teeth due to injury or disease.
How Many Front Teeth Do Cats Have
Generally, cats have 12 front teeth or incisors — 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom. These sharp teeth are essential for gripping prey, cutting food, and grooming.
Kittens’ Teeth
Kittens are born with 26 baby teeth, which include 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 10 premolars. They don’t get molars until their adult teeth come in later.
If you're adopting a cat, schedule a vet check-up to ensure their teeth are healthy and developing properly.
Why Do Cats Lose Teeth
Gum or Dental Disease in Cats
While cats do not get cavities like humans, dental disease is still a common issue—affecting about two-thirds of cats above 3 years old. Bacterial plaque builds up on their teeth, eventually turning into tartar if not cleaned. While not all dental disease leads to tooth loss, untreated gingivitis can cause irreversible damage, leading to tooth mobility and pain.
Dr. Laci Schaible, DVM, explains, that if caught early, dental scaling and polishing can save most teeth, but without treatment, the damage can be severe. So if your cat is missing a tooth or you find one at home, it's crucial to seek veterinary care to prevent further complications. Early intervention can help protect your cat’s dental health.
What To Do When Your Cat’s Tooth Falls Out
If you find out that your cat is losing a tooth or if you witness their tooth falling out, is something wrong? If your cat is still a kitten, it’s just normal for their baby teeth to fall out before they grow permanent teeth. In adult cats, however, losing teeth is not normal. In some cases, it may be due to an injury. Otherwise, gum disease or dental disease could be the cause. In a Reddit discussion about tooth loss in cats, commenters advised that it’s not normal for adult cats to lose teeth and that it is likely caused by dental disease. They then advised the author to look for a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about dental disease in cats for treatment options.
Keep in mind that when your pet shows symptoms in their mouth such as pain while eating/playing/interacting, or if there’s excessive drooling, bleeding, or pus, it could be a dental emergency that needs immediate veterinary care. Petcube’s Pet Emergency Fund is a practical way to prepare for any pet emergency, giving you peace of mind and the needed support in times of such unexpected situations.
Conclusion
Understanding cats’ teeth is important to help us ensure our cat’s dental care and health. Regular brushing and dental treats can prevent issues like gingivitis, stomatitis, and bad breath. We hope this guide on your cat’s teeth helps you keep their smile healthy and bright!