Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by Pets Feed
Furry pets have been living with people for many years in a safe home environment, but this does not change their nature. And they are predators, and that, of course, is reflected in feline anatomy and behavior. Their teeth remind us of it first of all.
How many teeth do cats have? Do cats lose their baby teeth like human babies? If you’ve ever wondered how many teeth cats have, Pets Feed have compiled 5 interesting facts about cats’ teeth throughout their lives.
Kittens, like humans, have milk teeth
The first 26 teeth begin to appear in kittens at the age of 3-6 weeks. They, like humans, grow dairy first. From 11 to 24 weeks of life, the change from dairy to permanent ones begins. This process most often proceeds unnoticed by the owners of the animal, since the kitten swallows the teeth that have fallen out. An adult cat has 30 teeth in its mouth, due to the eruption of molars, which are not found in kittens during the first weeks of life.
Cats almost never have caries
The main reason for the development of caries is bacteria, which in the process of their vital activity release acids. The acidic environment of the oral cavity promotes the leaching of calcium salts from the tooth enamel, which leads to its damage. Sugar is an excellent breeding ground for most microorganisms. And since cats do not eat sweets, they almost never have caries. Despite this, they still need regular oral care. Food debris, plaque, and calculus can eventually cause periodontal disease or gingivitis in animals.
For oral hygiene in cats, special chewing “bones” or veterinary toothpaste and a brush are usually used.
Cats are very tolerant of toothache
In nature, a predator cannot show other animals its weakness and suffering. Through evolutionary selection, cats have learned to endure pain, including toothache. But this does not mean at all that they do not feel it. Owners should regularly inspect their pet’s mouth. If you detect the slightest signs of dental disease, you should contact your veterinarian for treatment.
Teeth like the most ferocious hunter
The process of chewing food in herbivores and in humans is significantly different from predators, which include cats. If we “grind” food with the flat surface of molars, then the felines tear the meat into small pieces and swallow them whole. In this they are helped not only by canines, but also by molars with a sharp triangular surface. They also have special blood-diverting grooves, thanks to which it is more convenient for cats to shred meat.
Grooming cutters
Cats love cleanliness. They not only “wash” several times a day, but also pay great attention to their fur. With the help of the front incisors, the animal can gnaw thorns and tangles caught during a walk from the wool.
