Is it normal for a kitten’s tooth to fall out?
Usually, yes. Kittens have 26 baby (deciduous) teeth, which are replaced by 30 permanent teeth. A tooth falling out during this change is a normal part of teething, as long as your kitten is at the right age and otherwise well.
Kitten teething timeline
Timing varies between kittens, but in general:
- Baby teeth start to fall out at around 3 months of age.
- The adult teeth come in over the following months.
- The process is usually finished by around 6 to 7 months.
Because the age range is approximate, a kitten a little ahead or behind is not automatically a concern.
What if I can’t find the tooth?
That is common. Kittens often swallow their baby teeth while eating, and this is generally considered harmless. Finding a tiny tooth in a bed or on the floor is the exception rather than the rule.
Signs of teething
- Mild gum redness
- A little drooling (see is cat drooling normal)
- More chewing on toys and objects
- Slightly less interest in hard food
- A tiny spot of blood now and then
How to help a teething kitten
- Offer soft, kitten-safe chew toys.
- Moisten dry food with warm water, or offer wet food, if the gums seem sore.
- Avoid very hard items such as bones or hard plastic.
- Keep wires and small objects out of reach, since kittens chew more now.
You can also start getting your kitten used to having their mouth touched. It makes later care easier; see what healthy cat teeth look like.
When to call the vet
Contact your vet if:
- An adult tooth comes in while the baby tooth is still in place (a retained baby tooth), since crowding can trap food and cause problems.
- There is ongoing bleeding, swelling, or a foul smell.
- Your kitten refuses to eat, is very low in energy, or drools heavily.
- Teeth look broken or crooked.
What if it is an adult cat?
Once the permanent teeth are in, a lost tooth is not normal teething. It can point to gum disease, tooth resorption, injury, or infection, and should be checked. See whether cat teeth grow back and, for an injury, a broken canine tooth.
FAQ
Do kitten teeth fall out? Yes, all 26 baby teeth are normally replaced.
Do the adult teeth grow back if lost? No, adult teeth do not regrow.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for kittens? There is no standard veterinary rule of that name that applies to teething. Sometimes the phrase refers to adjustment periods for new rescue pets, so ask your vet if you saw it in a particular context.