Dental health is one of the most overlooked aspects of cat care — and one of the most impactful. Studies suggest that by age three, over 70% of cats show signs of dental disease. Left untreated, dental problems cause chronic pain, affect eating, and can lead to serious systemic infections. Understanding your cat’s teeth — how they develop, what problems to watch for, and when to intervene — is essential for any responsible cat owner.
Cat Dental Anatomy
Adult cats have 30 teeth (kittens have 26 deciduous teeth that are replaced between 3–6 months of age). The adult set includes:
- 12 incisors (6 upper, 6 lower) — the small front teeth used for nibbling and grooming
- 4 canines (2 upper, 2 lower) — the long, pointed teeth used for gripping and killing prey
- 10 premolars (6 upper, 4 lower) — used for shearing food
- 4 molars (2 upper, 2 lower) — used for crushing
Unlike human teeth, cat teeth are designed primarily for cutting and tearing rather than grinding. Cats don’t chew their food the way we do — they use their carnassial teeth (the large premolars) to shear meat into swallowable pieces. This is why cats bolt their food; it’s not greed, it’s anatomy.
Kitten Teething
Kittens are born without visible teeth. The timeline:
- 2–3 weeks: Incisors begin to emerge
- 3–4 weeks: Canines appear
- 4–6 weeks: Premolars come through (no deciduous molars)
- 3–4 months: Deciduous teeth begin to fall out
- 6 months: Full adult set is usually in place
During teething, kittens chew more aggressively — this is normal and should be redirected to appropriate items (safe toys, not fingers or furniture). Some kittens show mild irritability, drooling, or reluctance to eat hard food. If you notice bleeding gums, retained baby teeth (adult tooth erupting alongside a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out), or persistent refusal to eat, consult your vet.
Common Cat Dental Problems
Periodontal Disease
The most common dental condition in cats. It begins with plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis (inflamed gums) and eventually periodontitis (destruction of the tissue and bone supporting the teeth). Signs include red gums, bad breath, drooling, and reluctance to eat hard food.
Tooth Resorption (FORLs)
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions affect approximately 30–60% of adult cats. The body’s own cells attack the tooth structure, creating painful cavities at or below the gum line. The cause remains unknown. Affected teeth usually need extraction — there’s no effective treatment to reverse resorption.
Stomatitis
Severe, painful inflammation of the mouth lining. Cats with stomatitis may drool excessively, paw at their mouth, refuse food, or cry when eating. It’s believed to be an immune-mediated condition. Treatment ranges from anti-inflammatory medication to full-mouth extraction in severe cases — which sounds extreme but often provides dramatic relief.
Broken Teeth
Canine teeth are most commonly fractured, often from trauma (falls, fights, or chewing on hard objects). A broken tooth with exposed pulp is painful and prone to infection. Most fractures require extraction or, less commonly, root canal treatment.
Signs of Dental Problems
Cats are notorious for hiding pain. Watch for:
- Bad breath (halitosis) — the most common early sign
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Drooling (especially if new)
- Dropping food or eating on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the face
- Reluctance to eat, especially hard food
- Weight loss
- Behavioural changes — a cat in dental pain may become withdrawn or aggressive
Preventive Dental Care
Brushing
Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard. Use a cat-specific toothbrush (or a finger brush) and cat-safe toothpaste — never human toothpaste, which contains fluoride and foaming agents that are toxic to cats. Start young for best acceptance, but even adult cats can be trained to tolerate brushing with patience.
Dental Diets and Treats
Prescription dental diets (available from SA vets) have kibble designed to mechanically clean teeth as the cat chews. Dental treats provide some benefit but aren’t a substitute for brushing. Look for products with the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal of acceptance.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Annual dental check-ups are recommended for all cats. Professional cleaning (under general anaesthesia) removes tartar below the gum line where home care can’t reach. In South Africa, expect to pay R2,000–R5,000 for a dental cleaning, more if extractions are needed.
Water Additives
Enzymatic water additives marketed for dental health have limited evidence but some vets recommend them as a supplement to brushing — not a replacement.
Age-Related Dental Changes
Senior cats (10+ years) are at highest risk for resorption, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Regular vet checks become even more important as cats age. A cat with dental pain may eat less, lose weight, and decline in grooming quality — all of which affect their overall health and lifespan.
Don’t assume dental disease is just “old age.” A cat that’s lost teeth or stopped eating properly deserves treatment, not resignation.
For more on cat health and care, explore our guides to cat diet and cat food essentials.
