Kittens are born without teeth. In the first weeks of life, babies feed exclusively on mother's milk - and the absence of teeth, which can injure the nipples, serves as a kind of defense mechanism of nature. Milk incisors appear in kittens only at the age of two to three weeks. When the babies grow up, the teeth will change to permanent ones.
Instructions
Step 1
When a kitten is 2-3 months old, a full set of milk teeth is already flaunting in its mouth. There are only 26 of them - 4 less than in adult animals.
Step 2
The change of teeth to permanent teeth usually begins when the kitten is 3-4 months old. This is a rather lengthy process: it lasts from 12 to 16 weeks. Kittens most often swallow milk teeth that have fallen out with food.
Step 3
It is believed that in a healthy kitten at the age of six months, all permanent teeth should already erupt, and by the time the animal is 9 months old, they should have already grown and fully formed.
Step 4
The first teeth appear in the kitten are the front teeth - incisors, six each in the upper and lower jaw. After that (usually at 4-6 months), sharp and long canines change - two on each jaw, behind them are premolars (an analogue of molars in humans). The number of premolars on the upper and lower jaw differs - two molars grow on top on each side, and three on the bottom.
Step 5
The latest in kittens to grow molars, which can be considered an analogue of "wisdom teeth" in humans. They begin to erupt at 5-6 months. There are only four molars - two on the upper and lower jaw.
Step 6
In most cases, the process of changing teeth in kittens is painless: the owners may not even notice that their pet is worried about something. In some cases, bad breath and increased salivation may occur. If the kitten is behaving normally, there is no cause for concern. Another symptom of changing teeth is the animal's tendency to gnaw on hard objects (furniture, shoes, household items). In this case, it is better to purchase special toys at the pet store - "simulators" for sharp and strong cat teeth.
Step 7
During the change of teeth, it is necessary to regularly examine the oral cavity of the animal: its gums should remain flat and pink, without wounds and suppurations, and there should not be any debris in the mouth. If you notice any deviations or if the kitten behaves restlessly, constantly rubs its muzzle with its paws, refuses to eat, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.
