Kitten Teething: Timeline, Signs and How to Help Sore Gums
If your kitten's tiny teeth feel like needles, you have probably also noticed a lot of chewing. Kittens go through two sets of teeth in their first months, and the change from baby teeth to adult teeth can make them more mouthy than usual. Knowing the timeline helps you handle it gently.
Teething timeline
| Age | What happens |
|---|---|
| Birth | Kittens have no visible teeth |
| 2 to 4 weeks | Baby incisors and canines appear |
| 5 to 6 weeks | Baby premolars come in, making 26 baby teeth |
| 3 to 4 months | Baby incisors begin to fall out, adult incisors appear |
| 4 to 5 months | Adult canines come through |
| 4 to 6 months | Adult premolars and molars appear |
| 6 to 7 months | All 30 adult teeth are in |
Timing varies, and some kittens are a little earlier or later. See kitten growth and development week by week.
Signs of teething
- Chewing on everything, including hands, furniture and cords
- Drooling more than usual
- Mild bleeding or red, swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Reduced appetite, or dropping food
- Pawing at the mouth
- Irritability or restlessness
- Small teeth on the floor, though many are swallowed
Most kittens show only mild signs. Severe pain or refusal to eat is not normal.
How to help
Provide safe chew toys. Soft, rubbery toys that are kitten-sized, and chewy fabric toys, can help. Some kittens like cool, damp washcloths. Avoid hard bones, string and small parts that can be swallowed.
Redirect biting. When your kitten chews hands, replace them with a toy. Never use your hands as toys. See how to stop a cat from biting and how to play with a kitten.
Offer soft or wet food. If gums are sore, softer food is more comfortable. See kitten feeding schedule.
Protect cords and plants. Kittens may chew electrical wires and plants. See kitten-proofing your home and toxic houseplants for cats.
Start dental care early. Gently touch your kitten's mouth, and let it taste pet toothpaste. See cat dental disease for brushing and prevention.
Never give human pain relievers. See cat poisoning what to do.
Retained baby teeth
Sometimes baby teeth do not fall out when adult teeth come in. Retained teeth can trap food, cause crowding and lead to dental disease. Your vet will check the mouth at checkups, and may recommend removal, often at the time of spaying or neutering. See when to spay or neuter a kitten.
When to see a vet
Contact your vet if your kitten:
- Stops eating for a day
- Has bleeding that does not stop, or very swollen gums
- Has bad breath, pus or a lump on the face
- Has baby teeth that are still present at six to seven months
- Has crooked or missing teeth
- Is lethargic or unwell
Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see kitten first vet visit.
Biting and chewing as part of play
Not all mouthing is teething. Kittens also explore with their mouths and play-bite. Teach gentle play early, and stop play if the kitten bites hard. Give toys that engage hunting instincts. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
Teething and nutrition
Teething kittens often prefer softer food while their gums are sore, but they still need a complete kitten diet for growth. Offer a mix of wet and dry kitten food, and slightly soften dry kibble with warm water if it seems uncomfortable. Keep mealtimes regular, and weigh your kitten each week to be sure it keeps gaining. See wet vs dry cat food.
Chewing cords and plants
Teething makes kittens more likely to chew wires, plants and soft furnishings. Use cord covers, move plants and keep chemicals out of reach. If your kitten chews something harmful, call your vet or a poison control service immediately.
Teething toys that work
Good options include small, soft rubber toys, crinkle toys, felt mice that are large enough not to be swallowed and a wet, frozen washcloth. Rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting, and throw away any that begin to shred. Always supervise chewing.
Checking the mouth at home
Once a week, lift your kitten's lip and look at the gums and teeth. Pink gums, a few loose teeth and some mild redness are normal. Swelling, pus, a bad smell or a tooth that looks darker than the rest should be checked by a vet.
Do kittens swallow their teeth?
Many do, and it is harmless. Baby teeth are tiny and pass through the digestive tract. You may find the odd one in the bedding or on the floor.
Adult teeth care
Once the adult teeth are in, regular brushing, a healthy diet and annual dental checks help them last. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in adult cats, so building habits in kittenhood pays off.
Frequently asked questions
When do kittens start teething?
Baby teeth appear at about two to four weeks, and adult teeth start to come in around three to four months.
Do kittens lose teeth?
Yes. You may find tiny teeth, or they may be swallowed harmlessly.
How can I soothe a teething kitten?
Offer cool, soft chew toys, and avoid dangerous items.
Should I brush a kitten's teeth?
Yes. Start early to get used to it.
Sources and further reading
We link to recognised organizations so you can check the basics for yourself. We have no commercial relationship with any site listed here.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: pet owner resourcesPolicy-level guidance from the national veterinary association.
- WSAVA Global GuidelinesGlobal vaccination, nutrition and pain guidelines for small-animal vets.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
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