An adult cat has 30 teeth. A kitten, on the other hand, has only 26 - the so-called milk teeth, which fall out again and are replaced by the permanent set of teeth before the cat is around six months old. If you are asking yourself how many teeth a cat has, the answer therefore depends on the cat's age, and the difference of four teeth is due to the molars that only emerge once the cat becomes an adult.

A cat's teeth are small, but they say a lot about how the cat is put together. As a predator, the cat has a set of teeth designed to grip, hold on and cut through meat - not to grind plants. This shapes both the form of the teeth, their number and the way the cat chews. Below you will get an overview of the complete set of teeth, when the teeth change, what the individual types of teeth are used for, and how to keep an eye on your cat's oral health in everyday life.

How the 30 teeth are distributed in the cat's mouth

The 30 permanent teeth are distributed across four types of teeth. The cat has 12 incisors, that is the small teeth right at the front of the mouth, six in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw. Next to them sit the four canines, the long, pointed teeth the cat uses to grip and hold on to its prey. Further back follow 10 premolars and finally four actual molars. Together this makes up the 30 teeth that an adult, healthy cat has.

Compared to humans, who have 32 teeth, and dogs, who have as many as 42, the cat's set of teeth is modest. This is connected to the cat's role as a strict carnivore. The cat does not need broad, flat chewing teeth to crush plants, but instead sharp, scissor-like teeth that can cut meat into bite-sized pieces. If you are curious about the difference, you can learn more in our article about how many teeth a dog has.

When does a kitten change its teeth?

A newborn kitten is born without teeth. The first milk teeth usually emerge when the kitten is two to four weeks old, and by around six to eight weeks all 26 milk teeth are in place. After that the tooth change begins: from about three to four months of age the milk teeth loosen and are pushed out by the permanent teeth that grow up from below. By around six months most kittens have got the entire adult set of 30 teeth.

During the change period you may notice that the kitten chews more on things, drools slightly or drops a small tooth on the floor. This is completely normal and a natural part of the development. In fact, many kittens swallow their milk teeth when they eat, so it is far from certain that you will even find them. This phase coincides with the kitten needing meals that support the rapid growth. In Meals for kittens you will find meals composed with the little kitten's needs in mind, and you can read more about the important early period in our guide to the best start for your kitten.

What does the cat use its teeth for?

The cat's set of teeth is specialised for hunting and meat. The canines, the four long and pointed teeth, are the cat's most important tool. With them the cat grips and holds on to its prey, and they are the type of tooth that stands out most when the cat opens its mouth wide. The small incisors are used for fine motor skills: to nip, pick and groom the fur when the cat washes itself.

The rearmost teeth, the premolars and the molars, work almost like a pair of scissors. Instead of flat chewing surfaces, the cat has sharp edges that meet each other and cut the meat into pieces the cat can swallow. The cat therefore does not chew its food the way we do - it cuts and swallows. That is also why many cats swallow larger chunks almost whole. The cat's digestion is arranged precisely for that way of eating, which you can read more about in the article about what a cat eats.

Signs of healthy teeth and good oral health

Healthy cat teeth are white or slightly yellowish, and the gums are pink and firm without swelling. A healthy mouth only smells faintly. If your cat's breath suddenly becomes strong or unpleasant, it drools more than normal, or it seems reluctant to eat, this may be a sign that something is wrong in the mouth. The same applies if you notice red or bleeding gums, brown deposits or a tooth that is loose in an adult cat.

Tartar and inflammation of the gums are among the most common problems in cats, and they often develop slowly over time. Therefore it is a good habit to look inside the cat's mouth at regular intervals while it is young, so it gets used to it. If you notice changes in your cat's teeth, gums or breath, you should have it assessed by a veterinarian, who can examine the mouth thoroughly and advise on the right care.

Can the food affect the cat's teeth?

A cat's dental health depends on many things, but the food plays a role for both wellbeing and everyday life. High-quality meals with a high content of animal ingredients align with the cat's nature as a carnivore and support a healthy appetite throughout life. At ESSENTIAL FOODS all of the cat's meals are prepared from human-grade ingredients and fresh raw materials, so the cat gets meals composed with respect for how a cat is actually made to eat.

For the adult cat you will find meals in Meals for adult cats, and if you have a cat that has reached its golden years, there are meals adapted to that stage of life in Meals for senior cats. If the cat prefers the soft, juicy consistency, you can take a closer look at the selection of Cat pâté, where every PÂTÉ is prepared from exquisite ingredients. If you are in doubt about what suits your particular cat's age, taste and needs best, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutrition advisers are ready to guide you on feeding and nutrition by phone, chat or email.

Whether you have a curious kitten in the middle of changing its teeth or an adult cat with a full set of 30 teeth, the cat's mouth is a small but important window into its general wellbeing. By knowing the normal set of teeth, keeping an eye on gums and breath and serving meals composed with the cat's nature in mind, you give it the best conditions for a healthy mouth throughout life - and if you notice changes you are unsure about, the veterinarian is always the right place to have them assessed.