The owners of cats have a lot of questions about the upbringing and keeping the purr at home. Today we will discuss one very important topic, it relates to teeth. So, let's begin...
When kittens are born, in their mouth there is not a single tooth. At two weeks of age, the first incisors erupt. By the tenth week, a set of milk teeth appears . Many people are interested in how kittens change teeth, the age when babies become the most biting.
At ten weeks, purr already has a complete set of milk teeth. By the way, how many kittens do they have? There are twenty six in all. Around the third week of life, incisors appear, after seven to ten days, fangs appear, and premolars later cut out. As a rule, they appear painlessly. At this time, no one is worried: neither the kitten, nor the owners. After this comes the change of teeth in kittens. It’s impossible to precisely name the period when this happens, since everything is individual. Usually at the age of seven months kittens have all their teeth.
The shift period brings a lot of trouble. At about three to four months old, they begin to change for permanent teeth in kittens. First, the incisors change, then the fangs. The last ones are premolars and molars.
By the way, how many permanent teeth do cats have? They have exactly thirty purples. On the lower and upper jaw, two canines and three incisors. On the upper jaw there are four molars (one molar and three premolars), and on the lower jaw three (two premolars and one molar). Note that every third root is the largest.
Here is the adult cat’s dental formula : three incisors, one canine, three premolars, three incisors, one canine, 2 premolars.
In what sequence do they change? First, the incisors erupt (at four months), then the fangs after two or three weeks, then approximately premolars and molars (at four to six months).
Kitten teeth change: process symptoms
As a rule, everything happens asymptomatically. But nevertheless, we single out one sign of this phenomenon - excitability. The animal may be in this state while eating or drinking fluids. Appetite may also disappear. Weakness and lethargy are also signs of a change of teeth. Sometimes salivation and soreness of the oral cavity also occur.
What to do so that the change of teeth in kittens does not turn into a tragedy? Need something to take their teeth. For this, special toys are suitable. They are simply irreplaceable during this period. To make the toy better soothe the gums, first freeze it. The more such things, the better.
Questions
What feeding should be during this difficult time? The change of teeth in kittens is a rather difficult period, both for the owner and the babies themselves. In principle, the diet is not particularly necessary to change. It is only necessary to add foods rich in calcium and phosphorus. You can purchase special fertilizers that contain these substances. It is not necessary to switch to any special food, since this process is quite natural.
Is it true that during the change of teeth, kittens have an unpleasant smell from the mouth? Yes it is. But the smell will disappear in a couple of months (one or two).
When kittens change teeth, do not treat them condescendingly. Do not let them bite and scratch your hands. Similar behavior can remain in adult cats (then scratches and bites will become much more painful), during puberty their fun develops into aggression. Therefore, immediately put a taboo on human hands, let the kids nibble on special toys.
Is it possible to vaccinate an animal during a tooth change?
Then the opinion of experts was divided. Although many believe that it’s still not worth vaccinating at such a time. It is better to do this earlier (two to three months) or later (about eight months), since during the change of teeth different changes in the body occur (hormonal, by the way, too). Vaccination is an additional burden, it can provoke complications, as well as other side effects.
Is it necessary to remove milk teeth in kittens?
If this is not done, then what will happen next? If no fangs injure the gums, and new teeth grow evenly, then do not worry. Now try to gently loosen the milk teeth of the kittens. So you can accelerate their loss. You need to start worrying if the old fangs do not fall out by half a year. Then they need to be removed (although cats rarely have such problems). It will be necessary to tear out milk fangs. Excessive teeth can lead to soft tissue trauma in the mouth, the development of periodontal disease and malocclusion.
Why are violations occurring?
The main cause of tooth change disorders is a genetic predisposition. Therefore, the owner should inspect his pet, starting with three and a half months. If abnormalities are found, go to the doctor immediately.
Help of a dentist
If you notice a double row of teeth in your pet, then be sure to contact your veterinarian. Note that even with this pathology, cats behave perfectly, eat well, play. The presence of such a problem can lead to tartar, as well as to more sad consequences, for example, to osteomyelitis.
The only way to resolve the double row of teeth is to remove the obstructive. Of course, such a manipulation can be carried out by a doctor in a veterinary clinic. This is because such operations should be carried out under anesthesia in order to avoid significant stress of the animal, as well as to carry out the procedure for removing the milk tooth correctly.
Little conclusion
Now you know how the teeth change in kittens, the symptoms of which we described in detail. We hope everything is clear to you. You understand how to feed a kitten during this period. In addition, if you notice any problems at this time in the purr, then be sure to show it to the veterinarian. By looking, he will be able to identify the problem. If timely diagnosis and treatment, then you will be able to protect yourself from more serious issues related to the teeth and oral cavity of the animal. In general, experts advise visiting a veterinarian at least once a year (preferably two). Follow the health of the pet, then everything will be fine.