Kitten Teething Problems: How to Help and Cope Effectively
When kittens are born, they have no teeth, allowing them to suckle on their mother without causing pain. By around 14 days old, their tiny incisors begin to appear, followed by their canines at about 4 weeks, and eventually premolars at approximately 6 weeks. These first teeth are called deciduous or baby teeth, which are later replaced by permanent adult teeth.
A typical kitten has 26 baby teeth: three upper and three lower incisors on each side, one upper and one lower canine on each side, and three upper and two lower premolars on each side, but no molars. As kittens grow, starting at around 11 weeks, their baby teeth fall out to make way for 30 adult teeth, including molars that usually appear well into adulthood.
Understanding Kitten Teething and Signs of Problems
Teething is a natural but sometimes uncomfortable stage between 3 and 6 months of age when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. During this time, kittens can exhibit behavioural changes such as increased vocalisation, irritability, reluctance to eat hard foods, excessive chewing on objects, pawing at their mouths, and occasional mild bleeding or drooling.
Owners should watch for these signs, which may include:
- Reduced interest in playing or picking up toys due to mouth discomfort
- Shyness or distress when attempting to brush teeth, indicating sensitivity
- A preference for wet food over dry kibble because chewing is painful
- Pawing or rubbing at the mouth frequently
- Bad breath or signs of inflamed gums (gingivitis)
Such symptoms usually indicate mild teething discomfort, but persistent or severe issues require attention.
How to Soothe Your Teething Kitten
- Offer Soft Food: Feed wet or canned food, or soak dry kibble in warm water to ease chewing discomfort until teething resolves.
- Provide Soothing Chew Toys: Supply safe, soft chew toys made from rubber or silicone. Chilling these toys in the fridge can help numb sore gums. You can also offer ice cubes made from low-sodium chicken broth or diluted tuna juice as a tasty treat with soothing properties.
- Gentle Play Activities: Engage your kitten in gentle interactive play to distract from oral discomfort and use up energy without causing pain with rough games.
- Use Pet-safe Cat Grass: Allow your kitten to nibble on cat grass, which may provide gum relief and satisfies chewing urges safely.
- Avoid Tooth Brushing During Teething: Do not insist on brushing your kitten's teeth if they resist, as this can cause negative associations and discomfort.
- Monitor Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure your kitten drinks enough water and maintains a healthy appetite. If they refuse food or water for over 24 hours, this is a concern.
When to Consult a Vet
If your kitten’s teething discomfort lasts more than a week, or if they show signs of significant pain, excessive gum bleeding, drastic weight loss, or refusal to eat or drink, consult your vet promptly. Your vet can examine your kitten's mouth to check for retained baby teeth, infections, or other dental issues that might need treatment or even tooth extraction.
Regular veterinary check-ups starting soon after adoption and again around 6 to 8 months old are vital for ensuring healthy development and timely intervention if problems arise. This is also an ideal time to discuss neutering or spaying with your vet.
Conclusion
Kitten teething, although uncomfortable, is usually a manageable phase with proper care. By providing soft foods, soothing chew toys, gentle play, and attentive monitoring, you can help your kitten through this transition more comfortably. Always prioritise your kitten’s wellbeing and seek veterinary advice if you notice prolonged issues or significant discomfort, ensuring your new feline friend grows up healthy and happy.
For those looking to welcome a kitten into their home, finding kittens for sale from trusted sources ensures ethical ownership and healthy starts for young pets. Browse reputable options for kittens for sale and always prioritise responsible ownership from the start.
