Teething in kittens can be a challenging period for pet owners. The discomfort from teething often prompts our cute little friends to chew on inappropriate items, such as your beloved pair of shoes. In this post, our Pleasant Hill vets explain kitten teething and what you can do to help your cat.
Why do kittens teethe?
Kitten teething can seem very odd if your pet is suddenly chewing on everything they can wrap their teeth around. It's important to remember that your cat isn't trying to be naughty, they are trying to relieve the pain and discomfort they are feeling. You may not have realized but for your cat, chewing on your new sofa makes your cat's mouth feel better. If you want to learn more information about kitten teething, contact our vets and they can provide you access to resources like the kitten teething chart.
Signs of Teething in Kittens
- Eating less
- Crankiness
- Hesitant to bite at or shake toys
- Pawing at mouth
- Bad breath
- Gingivitis
- Vocalizing more, from small mews to loud meows
- Increased chewing, especially on soft items
- Drooling
- Bleeding gums
- Chewing food more slowly
When do kittens' teeth start falling out?
If you are wondering "When do kittens lose their baby teeth?" keep reading to find out the answers from our vets. Kittens start teething at about three to four weeks of age when they develop their first set of baby teeth. Kittens don't feel any pain when teething but they can cause their owner pain. When cat teeth come in, they can be pointy and sharp to the touch.
How long do kittens teethe for?
By the time your cat is about three month months old, they should have all of their adult teeth. Since their baby teeth are now gone, teething should be a thing of the past.
That said, intense teething can be a real struggle for many pet parents. Kittens looking to find relief from the pain will chew on almost anything they can find. Because of their small stature, this can often mean furniture legs, expensive footwear, or even your feet or fingers can become something for your cat to teeth on.
So what can you do to help relieve your feline friend's discomfort and protect your valuable belongings? Here are a few suggestions from our veterinary team at Diablo View Veterinary Medical Hospital.
Does teething hurt cats?
Teething typically causes only minor discomfort for your kitten. Ensure she continues to eat adequately to sustain her weight.
However, heightened chewing due to teething can pose risks to your kitten. While you probably kitten-proofed your home initially, it's beneficial to revisit and reinforce these safety measures during the teething phase.
What can I do to help my cat get through kitten teething?
Specific kitten teething bones are sized appropriately for small, medium, and large breeds and come flavored to help encourage your kitten away from boring smelling valuables and over to a tasty chewy treat - encouraging both healthy chewing habits and relieving pain at the same time.
What should I do if my kitten keeps biting me?
Nipping and biting is naturally how kittens play. When one kitten bites another too hard the hurt cat will let out a high-pitched yelp.
If your young feline is biting or nipping at you, address this behavior promptly. To discourage this behavior, imitate the sound of a distressed kitten when your cat bites you. Emitting a sharp 'OW' in a high-pitched tone can surprise your kitten, prompting them to retreat. Once your kitten stops and moves away, remember to reward them for their positive response.
If this approach leads your kitten to nip at you more aggressively, quietly stop playing with your kitten and walk away, or gently put your cat in their crate for some quiet time.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.