Are kittens born with teeth?

Very rarely kittens are born with teeth. Usually they are born without teeth. The incisors are the first deciduous (baby) teeth to appear, usually at 2 to 3 weeks of age. Canine teeth emerge at 3 to 4 weeks of age and the premolars at four to six weeks. The last premolar emerges at about six weeks of age. The approximate age of kittens can be ascertained by this sequence.

The average kitten has 26 deciduous teeth. Kittens do not have molars. Teething last 2 to 3 weeks. The kitten may experience soreness in the mouth. She may be of her food. This should not affect growth and development.

Deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth (adult teeth). At three to four months the incisor teeth erupt. At 4 to 6 months canine, premolars and molars erupt. At seven months of age a cat’s adult teeth are fully developed. Once again, this sequence of events allows veterinarians to ascertain the age of an older kitten.

The average adult cat has 30 permanent teeth. As cats’ teeth are not used for grinding (as occurs in horses) the amount of wear on the cusp of the teeth is not a reliable way to determine the age of a cat. The general condition of the teeth and of the cat’s gums may allow a veterinarian to assess a cat’s approximate age.