Kitten Teething: Timeline, Signs and How to Help
In this guide
The short answer: kittens get 26 baby teeth from about 2 to 4 weeks old, then lose them as 30 adult teeth come through from about 3 to 4 months. The adult set is usually complete by around 6 to 7 months. Teething kittens chew everything, may have slightly red gums and sometimes drop a tiny tooth. Help with soft rubber or fabric teething toys, keep cables and small objects out of reach, and ask your vet about any “double teeth” (a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out).
Kitten teething timeline
| Age | What happens |
|---|---|
| Birth | Kittens are born without teeth |
| About 2 to 4 weeks | Baby (milk) teeth start coming through, incisors and canines first |
| About 4 to 8 weeks | The rest of the 26 baby teeth come in |
| About 3 to 4 months | Baby teeth start falling out as adult teeth push through |
| About 6 to 7 months | Most kittens have their full set of 30 adult teeth |
These are typical ages, and some kittens are a little earlier or later. PetMD’s kitten teething guide describes a similar timeline.
Signs your kitten is teething
- Chewing on everything: toys, fingers, furniture and, dangerously, cables
- Red, slightly swollen gums
- A little drooling
- Tiny spots of blood on toys or food
- Finding small teeth on the floor or in the bed. Most get swallowed, which is harmless.
- Eating more slowly, or preferring soft food for a few days
- Being a bit grumpy or pawing at the mouth
Teething is normal and usually mild. Bad breath, a swollen face, not eating, or lots of drooling or bleeding aren’t normal teething signs, so see your vet.
How to help a teething kitten
- Give teething toys. Soft rubber chew toys, fabric kickers and textured toys made for kittens give them something safe to gnaw. Rotate them to keep them interesting. See the best cat toys.
- Try something cool. A clean, damp washcloth chilled in the fridge (not frozen solid) can soothe sore gums. Supervise so it isn’t chewed apart and swallowed.
- Offer wet food for a few days if your kitten seems sore. See the best food for kittens.
- Redirect chewing. If your kitten chews your hand, calmly swap your hand for a toy. Never play with bare fingers, or it may keep biting as an adult.
- Kitten-proof your home. Tidy away or cover cables and chargers, and put away hair ties, rubber bands, string and small objects that could be swallowed.
Don’t use human teething gels or pain relief. They aren’t made for cats, and some ingredients can be harmful.
Brushing a kitten’s teeth
Teething is a great time to get your kitten used to having its mouth handled. Start very gently: lift the lips, touch the gums, and let your kitten lick a little cat toothpaste (never human toothpaste) from your finger. Once the adult teeth are through, move on to a soft finger brush or kitten toothbrush. Kittens that get used to brushing young are much easier to care for later. See our guide to cat dental care.
Retained baby teeth
Sometimes a baby tooth doesn’t fall out when the adult tooth comes in, leaving two teeth in the same spot (“double teeth”). It’s most common with the long canine (fang) teeth. PetMD explains that retained baby teeth can cause crowding, abnormal tooth positions, gum disease and mouth injuries, and that removing them promptly lets the adult teeth come in normally.
Check your kitten’s mouth occasionally between 4 and 7 months. Your vet will also look for retained teeth at check-ups, often at the neutering appointment.
When to see the vet
- you see double teeth
- your kitten stops eating, seems in pain or paws at its mouth a lot
- there’s bad breath, swelling, pus or a lot of bleeding
- a tooth looks broken or discoloured
For general kitten care, see our kitten care guide.
FAQs
When do kittens start teething?
Baby teeth come through at about 2 to 4 weeks old. The more noticeable teething, when baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, starts at around 3 to 4 months.
How long does kitten teething last?
Adult teeth usually start coming through at around 3 to 4 months and are complete by about 6 to 7 months.
Do kittens lose their baby teeth?
Yes. All 26 baby teeth are replaced by 30 adult teeth. Most fall out unnoticed and are swallowed, which is harmless.
What are the best teething toys for kittens?
Soft rubber chew toys, fabric kickers and textured kitten toys. Avoid hard plastic, toys with small parts, and anything stringy that could be swallowed.
Is it normal for a teething kitten’s gums to bleed?
A tiny bit of blood when a tooth falls out is normal. Heavy or ongoing bleeding, swelling or a bad smell is not, so see your vet.
Sources
- PetMD: Kitten teething guide
