The change of teeth of the cat
Just like other mammals, cats first have milk teeth, which are then replaced by permanent teeth during the change of teeth.
This is a completely natural process, which in most cases occurs without any noticeable problems and rarely requires the assistance of a veterinarian.
Below you can read about the exact process of tooth replacement in cats and when it usually begins. We will also explain how you can optimally support the dental health of your pet.
When the change of teeth in cats takes place
At birth cats are still completely toothless. The first milk teeth erupt after about two weeks and by the end of the second month of life the milk teeth are complete. From this time on, the young quadrupeds can also be accustomed to solid cat food.
Cats have a total of 26 milk teeth, which fall out again when they change their teeth. This sets in as soon as there is enough space in the jaw for the permanent teeth. This is usually the case in the third or fourth month of life.
The change of teeth should be completed in about the eighth month. The permanent dentition has four additional (rear) molars, which are missing in the milk teeth.
Procedure of the change of teeth in cats
When the change of teeth begins, the roots of the milk teeth are removed first. As a result, they are first loosened and then eventually displaced by the cat's regrowing permanent teeth.
Often the fallen out milk teeth are simply swallowed down, so that many owners do not even notice the beginning of the dental change in their cat.
Possible problems during the change of teeth in cats
In the vast majority of cases, the change of teeth in cats does not cause significant discomfort. Even though the process is certainly a bit unpleasant, with a little luck you should not have to face any major problems.
Perhaps your cat will drool a little, look a little grumpy or not feel very hungry in between. However, this is usually only a temporary phenomenon and therefore not a reason to breed.
Occasionally, however, the change of teeth can cause more serious problems. For example, it can cause fever and diarrhoea in cats. In this case a visit to the vet is advisable to rule out possible other causes for the discomfort.
A cat does not always lose all its milk teeth
Sometimes it happens that a cat's individual milk teeth do not fall out during the tooth change. If there is a permanent tooth underneath, it will often grow out right next to the milk tooth.
Since this naturally leads to malpositioning and growth disorders of the affected permanent teeth, the only thing left to do in this case is to have the superfluous milk tooth extracted by a vet.
If no permanent tooth has grown back yet, the jaw should be x-rayed before the milk tooth is extracted. This is because sometimes the permanent tooth underneath is missing, so the milk tooth should be retained even after the tooth change.
The absence of permanent teeth is genetically determined. It is inherited recessively and occurs comparatively frequently in Siamese cats, for example.
This is how you support your cat during the change of teeth
Even if there are no problems, the change of teeth is naturally unpleasant for your cat. You will therefore most likely notice that your little quadruped very often licks his gums, holds his head crooked and rubs his snout against various objects or even you.
All this is usually nothing to worry about and does not require a direct visit to the vet. Nevertheless, you should try to help your little cat change his teeth and make the process as pleasant as possible.
As the gums are usually irritated, many cats don't like dry food during their tooth change. If your four-legged friend refuses to eat his normal dry food, you should therefore try a good wet food. Alternatively, you can moisten the dry food a little and soften it.
In addition, many cats are happy to have chewing toys to bite on during their tooth change. Some quadrupeds also appreciate a careful massage of the gums. This also helps to get the cat used to having its teeth checked at the vet from an early age.
Natural dental care with I love my cat
Even though domestic cats hardly need their teeth to eat, it is important to avoid problems such as tartar and gum disease in cats.
As a cat owner, you should therefore pay sufficient attention to the dental care of your house cat. Especially uncomplicated and yet effective is the cleaning of teeth with our Dental Powder for Cats.
The natural preparation can be easily mixed into the food and its special composition ensures that plaque and tartar have no chance in your cat.
Our conclusion on the subject of changing teeth in cats
As you can see, the change of teeth in cats is usually no cause for concern. Most quadrupeds go through it without much difficulty, so that many owners hardly notice anything.
By caring for your cat's teeth regularly after the change, you make sure that painful dental problems like caries and periodontosis are much less likely.
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