Have you been finding tiny teeth marks on items around your home? Your new furry friend may be teething. Here, our Louisiana vets answer questions like, 'Why do kittens teethe?' and 'When do kittens lose their baby teeth?'.
Why do kittens teethe?
If you have a new kitten, you may one day notice that they've started to chew on and bite everything they can get ahold of. No, they aren't trying to be naughty. They are actually trying to relieve the pain that they feel during the teething process. You may not have realized, but for your cat, chewing on your new sofa makes your cat's mouth feel better. If you want to learn more about kitten teething, contact our vets. They can perform a dental checkup and provide you access to resources like the kitten teeth chart.
So, how can you help relieve your feline friend's discomfort and protect your valuable belongings? Here is more information from our veterinary team at Marcello Veterinary Hospital. We're like your cat (and dog) dentists in Louisiana.
What are the signs of teething in kittens?
The symptoms of teething in kittens often include:
- Eating less
- Crankiness
- Hesitant to bite at or shake toys
- Pawing at mouth
- Bad breath
- Gingivitis
- Vocalizing more, from small mews to loud meows
- Increased chewing, especially on soft items
- Drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Chewing food more slowly
When will your kitten start teething?
If you are wondering, 'When do kittens' teeth fall out?' Keep reading to find out the answers from our vets. Kittens start teething about three to four weeks after developing their first baby teeth. Kittens don't feel any pain when teething, but they can cause pain to their owners. Cat teeth can be pointy and sharp to the touch when they come in.
How to Tell How Old a Kitten is by Their Teeth
Some pet parents ask how to tell a kitten's age by their teeth. You can use your kitten's teeth as a guide to determine its age. As mentioned above, certain teeth erupt at certain times, such as their first teeth coming in when they are three to four weeks old.
How long does teething last in kittens?
When your cat is about three months old, they should have all their adult teeth. Since their baby teeth are gone, teething should be a thing of the past.
Intense teething can be a real struggle for many pet parents. Kittens looking to relieve pain will chew on almost anything they can find. Because of their small stature, this can often mean furniture legs, expensive footwear, or even your feet or fingers become something for your cat to teeth on.
Will your kitten be in pain while teething?
Teething typically causes only minor discomfort for your kitten. Ensure she continues to eat adequately to sustain her weight. However, heightened chewing due to teething can pose risks to your kitten. While you probably kitten-proofed your home initially, it's beneficial to revisit and reinforce these safety measures during the teething phase.
What can you do to ease your kitten's teething pain?
Specific kitten teething bones are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds and come flavored to help encourage your kitten to move away from boring, odorless valuables and toward a tasty, chewy treat – encouraging healthy chewing habits and relieving pain at the same time.
How can you stop your kitten from biting?
Nipping and biting are natural ways kittens play. The hurt cat releases a high-pitched yelp when one kitten bites another too hard.
If your young feline is biting or nipping at you, address this behavior promptly. To discourage this behavior, imitate the sound of a distressed kitten when your cat bites you. Emitting a sharp 'ow' in a high-pitched tone can surprise your kitten, prompting them to retreat. Once your kitten stops and moves away, remember to reward them for their positive response.
If this approach leads your kitten to nip at you more aggressively, quietly stop playing with your kitten and walk away, or gently put your cat in their crate for some quiet time.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.