How many teeth do cats have?
Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth. Kittens have 26 baby (deciduous) teeth first, which are replaced as they grow. The teeth include small incisors at the front, long pointed canines, and premolars and molars further back used to shear food. If you are curious about the kitten stage, see why a kitten’s tooth may fall out.
What healthy cat teeth and gums look like
A healthy mouth usually has these features:
- Gums: Pale to salmon pink, smooth and snug against the teeth (see normal cat gums). Some cats have naturally dark pigmented spots on their gums, which can be normal.
- Teeth: Mostly clean and white to off-white, without thick yellow or brown crusts along the gumline.
- Breath: Mild. Cat breath is rarely pleasant, but it should not be strongly foul.
- Eating: Chewing normally, without dropping food, drooling, or favouring one side.
Some wear on the teeth can be normal with age. What matters is whether the gums are red or swollen, whether tartar is building up, and whether your cat seems comfortable.
How to check your cat’s mouth at home
If your cat tolerates it, lift the lip gently at the side and look at the gums and teeth in good light. Look at the gumline for redness, and at the teeth for brown tartar, chips, or discoloration. Keep it brief and calm, and offer a treat afterward. Do not force the mouth open. If your cat resists, or the mouth looks painful, leave the checking to your vet.
Signs of unhealthy cat teeth
Possible signs of dental disease include:
- Persistent or unusually strong bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Yellow or brown tartar
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth (see what to do about a broken canine tooth)
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or eating more slowly
- Drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Facial swelling
- Teeth grinding or chattering (read more about cat grinding teeth)
- Less grooming, or becoming head-shy
Why cats hide dental pain
Cats often keep eating even when their mouths hurt, so owners may not notice a problem until the disease is advanced. Subtle changes, such as a preference for soft food or a rougher coat, can be clues. This is why regular veterinary mouth exams are useful even when your cat seems fine.
Common dental problems
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, often linked to plaque and tartar. It may be reversible if caught early.
- Periodontal disease: Damage to the tissues supporting the teeth, which can lead to loose teeth and infection.
- Tooth resorption: A painful condition in which the tooth structure breaks down. It is commonly found with dental X-rays.
- Fractured teeth: Broken teeth, especially the canines, can expose sensitive tissue.
Your vet can tell these apart with an exam and, often, dental X-rays.
Keeping your cat’s teeth healthy
- Brushing: Brushing with a cat-safe toothpaste is generally considered the most effective home care. Never use human toothpaste. Introduce it slowly, and ask your vet first if the gums are already sore.
- Veterinary exams: Have your vet look at the mouth at regular checkups.
- Professional cleanings: Done under anesthesia, with X-rays. See how often a cat needs dental cleaning and what the dental procedure involves.
- Dental products: Some diets, treats, and products carry a VOHC seal; ask your vet what suits your cat.
When to see a vet
Book an appointment if you notice persistent bad breath, bleeding, swelling, a broken or loose tooth, drooling, or reluctance to eat. Do not wait for the problem to resolve. If your cat stops eating, contact your vet promptly.
FAQ
Do adult cat teeth grow back? No. See do cat teeth grow back.
What is the “silent killer” of cats? There is no single condition with that name. Cats tend to hide illness, including dental pain, and several diseases, such as kidney disease, can progress quietly. Regular vet checkups help catch problems early.
What if teeth need to be removed? Many cats do well afterward. Read about cat tooth extraction recovery.