Deciduous teeth, also known as baby teeth, in kittens typically begin to erupt at around 2 to 3 weeks of age. The process of tooth eruption in kittens generally follows a specific timeline listed below:
1. Incisors:
These are the small teeth found in the front of the mouth. They are the first set of teeth to emerge, usually appearing between 2 to 3 weeks of age. Kittens will normally have 12 incisor teeth (6 maxillary and 6 mandibular).
2. Canines:
These teeth are the long, pointed teeth behind the incisors. The canine teeth typically erupt around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Kittens will normally have 4 canine teeth (2 maxillary and 2 mandibular).
3. Premolars:
These teeth are the sharp-edged teeth located behind the canine teeth. The premolars start to come in between 3 to 6 weeks. Kittens will normally have 10 premolar teeth (6 maxillary and 4 mandibular)
It is important to know that kittens do not develop deciduous molar teeth.
Kitten vs. Adult Cat Teeth
Kittens usually have a full set of 26 deciduous teeth by about 6 weeks of age. These baby teeth will eventually fall out as the adult teeth begin to emerge.
The adult teeth, which total 30, start to come in around 3 to 4 months of age. The process of losing the deciduous teeth and the eruption of the adult teeth continues until about 6 months of age, when most cats will have their full set of adult teeth.
Consult a Houston Cat Dentist
If you have concerns about your kitten’s dental health or tooth eruption, give us a call today to schedule an oral exam!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/31/2025). Photo by Jeanie de Klerk on Unsplash