When do kittens change teeth and how does this happen?

The issue of changing teeth in kittens is important, since this process has a significant impact on the health of animals during adolescence and gives them significant discomfort. It is necessary to consider this topic in order to know the particularities of caring for a pet during a difficult period of its life and in time to solve problems that may arise as a result of this phenomenon.

When kittens are born, they, like other animals, do not have teeth at first. The first teeth they begin to erupt approximately 13-14 days of life after birth and differ in unusual structure and sharpness. By the end of the first month, milk fangs appear. They are replaced by permanent to approximately the fifth month of life.

In total, the kitten has 26 milk teeth in its mouth, which usually form by the second month of life:

• 4 canines;
• 10 indigenous;
• 12 incisors.

Somewhere from the third month of life they are replaced by permanent ones. Also, 4 new molars are emerging. Complete bite in kittens is formed by about 7-8 months, although it is possible to increase this period to 9 months. In general, the growth and change of teeth in cats and cats are completed before the year.

Note that permanent teeth look different. They are massive, their enamel very quickly becomes coated with a yellowish or cream shade.

It often happens that the owners do not notice the change of teeth in the pet, since normally the process occurs in the absence of painful sensations. Owners of the baby can guess this only after finding the fallen out baby tooth.

But there are a number of symptoms that often accompany the described phenomenon.

• During this period, an unpleasant odor often appears from the mouth, which the owners of the animal blame on the wrong diet. Usually, after the completion of a tooth change, this symptom disappears by itself.
• The animal may begin to experience discomfort, which will cause a change in its behavior. Because of a slight increase in temperature, chills often appear, so the kitten will try to spend more time at the heat source, which is usually the owner. There were cases when pets even climbed under a blanket, although they hadn’t done this before.
• At this time, the kitten is trying to try to chew and bite. So he tries to get rid of the loose tooth that bothers him.
• Animals begin to mark the territory.
• Gum inflammation can be observed, which can even lead to a refusal to eat for a day or two. If this does not work, then it is better to contact a veterinarian.
• If a kitten has a loose tooth, then the pet may shake its head, lick its lips or try to get rid of the source of anxiety with its paw. Should not disturb him in this case.

If this does happen, then nothing usually happens, as the tooth goes out naturally. But it can get stuck in the intestines (although in rare cases), which will cause pain and discomfort and will certainly affect the behavior of the pet. Then you need to contact a specialist.

Teeth change in cats only once in a lifetime. In total, these animals have 30. While the pet is at the age of the kitten, he has 26 teeth. In normal development, the end of the shift process takes about 7-8 months of life.Constant incisors in a baby appear somewhere in the 3-4 months, fangs, premolars and molars grow at 4-6 months of life.

In kittens of different breeds, development can occur in different ways, including the course of various processes in the body. This also applies to the change of teeth.

For example, kittens Scottish and British breeds development takes place according to common standards. Changing teeth starts somewhere on the 4th month of life. One of the peculiarities of these breeds will be that under the milk teeth, which are not even staggering, the growth of permanent can begin. The most at risk are fangs and incisors.

If we talk about kittens Thai and Siamese breeds, then you should pay special attention to the canines, because their size in these cats differ from the thickness and length of other teeth. And they grow a little slower. It should be observed that as new teeth grow, old ones fall out. In Siamese babies, the canine teeth from above and below change to 1.5 months of age. If suddenly the milk canine fell out, and the new one has not yet begun to grow, there is no need to worry, since it will erupt when necessary.

Have Siberian kittens teeth change at the same time as other breeds.

For some members of the breed, tooth changes may be delayed. for a period of up to 1 month.

In Sphynx babies, the teeth are changed at the age of 3-6 months. One of the features of this breed is the delay in the process of loss and growth of new canines. Until baby teeth fall out, new ones will not appear. Veterinarians note that there were cases of dairy canine sprouting only by the year of life. The owner of a cat should monitor the process of changing her teeth especially carefully.

If we talk about this process Maine Coon, then they often have problems. First, the period of the teeth change here stretches to 8 months of age. Although it is believed that only 1 year and 3 months kitten Maine Coon can be considered an adult. The molars can grow up to 12 months of age. It is important to look at them in parallel.

So pets should buy more toys, so that they had something to nibble and thus scratching the gums.

Baby teeth bengal cat begin to change at 5 months of age. Sometimes they fall out too quickly, but such cases are rare and are usually explained by some genetic abnormalities. That is, it is possible that the baby teeth will fall out and the permanent ones will not erupt. By six months, they usually appear, but if suddenly this did not happen, then the reason may be a lack of vitamins and trace elements in the body of the baby. Another indicator of beriberi can be problems with wool. Then it is better to contact the vet.

For kittens, which is the process of changing teeth, you should take care especially carefully. After all, it often happens that the process goes differently than other cats. During this period, the food should be special, the food of the animal should be rich in such elements as phosphorus and calcium.

It is the lack of these substances that causes the softening of the tissues of permanent teeth and leads further to the destruction of the dentition. This can be the cause of uneven growth of teeth, which can adversely affect chewing and complicate the process of its digestion. To avoid such troubles is possible through the purchase of special supplements containing a whole range of minerals and vitamins.

No need to be surprised if your pet eats little during this period. He has a source of discomfort in his mouth, because of which it is difficult for him to chew.

A healthy kitten, which has no problems other than changing teeth, is unlikely to refuse food more than once. He can eat, even if he feels some toothache. Only a serious illness can cause a long refusal to eat.

Another important point is proper care, which requires attention and care from the owner, as well as an adequate response to the behavior of the baby.. You should not give him gnawing various objects so that he does not swallow some kind of breakaway piece. This can cause intestinal obstruction, which would entail the cost of an expensive operation, and even turn into the cause of the death of the pet. The kitten should not be allowed to gnaw on the hands or feet of the owner, because the habit can remain in the future and the animal with already permanent teeth can cause a lot of trouble and unpleasant feelings to the person.

It is equally important during the change of teeth to monitor the oral hygiene of the pet. An animal should be taught to it from childhood, so that when it is an adult, this question does not arise. It is better to start with some games, so that the baby is accustomed to a special toothbrush and is not afraid of it. Yes, your kitten himself will be happy to scratch his gums a little, especially during a tooth change. In this matter, the main thing is regularity in order to form a solid habit. This will further avoid tartar, inflammation of the gums, as well as periodontitis and other dental diseases.

Changing teeth does not always work well and painlessly for a kitten. Often this process can be accompanied by complications and require the intervention of a specialist. The most common problems are:

• very strong inflammation of the gums;
• suppuration of the wound in the place where the tooth fell from;
• refusal of food for more than two days;
• the animal is very restless or, on the contrary, sluggish;
• part of the teeth remained, although in some places already grew;
• milk teeth fell out, but no new ones.

Now let's say a little more about each case. Gum disease is one of the most common complications. Its signs are:

• kitten anxiety;
• attempts to chew food longer;
• refusal of food;
• rubbing the muzzle on various objects to relieve pain;
• profuse salivation;
• muzzle swelling.

Slight inflammation is normal., but if it has become too strong and gives the animal serious discomfort, you should definitely contact a veterinarian.

Another fairly common problem is stuck milk teeth. It is significantly more serious and is a residual milk teeth that do not fall out until the moment when the molar tooth grows out of the gum. Because of its abnormal growth, the bite can be broken, which will cause high injuries to the lips, cheeks and gums of the cat. If the baby tooth does not fall out, but in its place the root has already grown, you should consult a doctor.

Two common problem options:

• there are loose teeth with active growth of the indigenous;
• some milk teeth have not yet fallen out after 6 months of life.

Any pet requires a careful and caring attitude to yourself from the very first days of life until the onset of advanced age. But each pet has moments when he needs attention and care especially strongly. One of these periods is just the time of the change of teeth, after which the baby begins an adult life. That is why it is important to know how this process occurs, how to care for a kitten and what to do in case of any complications or health problems.

In the next video you will be able to observe the characteristic behavior of a kitten whose teeth are being cut.