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Entry 670Filed under Breeding

Do Kittens Lose Their Baby Teeth? What to Expect

Kittens replace 26 baby teeth with 30 adult teeth, usually over several months. Here’s what normal teething looks like and when to contact a veterinarian.
2-minute read By Animalso Team
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Yes. Cats grow a first set of 26 baby teeth and then replace them with 30 adult teeth. Most kittens begin losing baby teeth as permanent teeth emerge between about 4 and 7 months old; the changeover takes place over several months, and timing varies.

When do kittens lose their baby teeth?

“Baby,” “milk,” “primary” and “deciduous” teeth all refer to a kitten’s first set. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, updated June 2025, most cats have 26 deciduous teeth and 30 permanent teeth. Baby incisors usually erupt at 2 to 4 weeks of age, followed by baby premolars at 5 to 6 weeks.

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The adult teeth then come in over a gradual transition. Merck gives a general starting range of about 4 to 7 months. VCA describes incisors starting as early as 3 months, canines around 5 months, and premolars and molars between 4 and 7 months; it estimates the teething period at about 2 to 3 months. Cornell says the baby teeth are generally replaced by about 6 months. These are approximate ranges, not a deadline that applies to every kitten.

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What does normal teething look like?

A tender mouth may make a kitten chew more, drool, seem irritable, or be briefly reluctant to eat. A small amount of blood on a chew toy can occur. You may find a tiny, hollow baby tooth on the floor or bedding, but you may not: kittens commonly swallow shed teeth while eating, and VCA says this is common and harmless.

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Catstages Dental Strawberry Teether Cat Chew Toy with Catnip, 4"
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  • TEXTURED FABRIC STRINGS FOR TEETH CLEANING: the attached fabric strings help reduce buildup as your cat bites and chews, supporting clean and polished teeth
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Chewing is a normal behavior, but redirect it from hands, feet, electrical cords, and household items. Optional soft kitten teething chew toys can give a kitten an appropriate target; they are not a treatment or a requirement.

  • Choose a toy with some bend or give rather than an extremely hard material such as nylon.
  • Supervise chewing so you can intervene if the toy breaks or the kitten bites off a piece.
  • Discard a toy that is damaged or missing pieces, which could pose choking or intestinal blockage risks.

What if a baby tooth remains beside an adult tooth?

If a permanent tooth is coming in while the baby tooth in the same spot is still present, the baby tooth is called a persistent or retained deciduous tooth. The two teeth can crowd each other, affect alignment or the bite, and trap food and debris. Arrange a veterinary examination promptly; a veterinarian may recommend extraction unless the baby tooth is very mobile. Do not try to pull it at home.

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  • 【TEETHING FUN AND DENTAL CARE】The cotton-wrapped design and natural gall fruit help cats sharpen their teeth and clean their teeth, and the soft cotton won't hurt their gums. This makes dental care a fun game.
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When should you call a veterinarian?

Do not assume significant or persistent symptoms are routine teething. Contact a veterinarian if your kitten seems notably painful, continues to have trouble eating, or has concerning changes in the mouth. Cornell lists red or swollen gums, pawing at the mouth, and refusing hard food as signs that can indicate dental problems.

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VCA recommends checking your kitten’s mouth weekly until around 7 to 8 months of age to see that teeth are erupting in appropriate positions. Ask your veterinary team about dental-care products and technique; VCA advises pausing brushing during the brief period when baby teeth are falling out and adult teeth are erupting.

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Potaroma Cat Toys Chew Ropes 3Pcs with Refillable Natural Catnip
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  • Infused with Catnip Aroma: The included catnip bag emits a soothing aroma that's irresistible to felines, ensuring these toys are a calming and engaging presence for indoor play. Our cat toys provide the calming, meow-inducing fun every kitten craves, along with a funny and interactive experience.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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