Yes—cats do have baby teeth. Key points:
- Kittens are born without teeth, and their deciduous (baby) teeth erupt in the first weeks of life.
- A complete set of baby teeth for kittens consists of 26 teeth: 12 incisors, 4 canines, and 10 premolars (6 on the top jaw and 4 on the bottom jaw).
- These baby teeth typically come in by about 8 weeks of age.
- By around 4 to 6 months old, most cats have shed all their baby teeth and grown their 30 permanent teeth (12 incisors, 4 canines, 10 premolars, and 4 molars).
Common teething signs in kittens:
- Increased chewing and mouthing of objects
- Drooling or mild gum tenderness
- Red or swollen gums
- Occasional minor gum bleeding
- Missing teeth or teeth seen on the floor or in bedding (less common)
What to watch for:
- Some kittens may retain deciduous teeth longer than usual; this can sometimes require veterinary removal if permanent teeth are blocked or misaligned.
- Persistent bad breath, swelling, crowding, or pain around the mouth warrant a veterinary exam to rule out dental disease.
If you’re caring for a young kitten, provide safe chew options (designed for kittens), ensure soft diets during teething if necessary, and schedule routine veterinary dental checks as part of their early wellness care.
