How to Tell the Age of a Kitten by Teeth?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Teeth Are Important for Aging a Kitten
• Kitten Dental Timeline: What to Look For
• How to Safely Examine a Kitten’s Teeth
• Signs at Each Age Stage
• Other Factors to Confirm a Kitten’s Age
• Common Mistakes When Estimating Age by Teeth
• When to Consult a Veterinarian
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

Found a kitten and wondering how old it is? One of the most accurate ways is by examining its teeth. In this guide, you’ll learn how to tell the age of a kitten by teeth and understand the key dental milestones that indicate their stage of growth.

Why Teeth Are Important for Aging a Kitten

A kitten’s teeth emerge and develop at predictable times. Observing the type, size, and presence of certain teeth can provide a reliable estimate of a kitten’s age, especially in the first six months of life.

Kitten Dental Timeline: What to Look For

Here’s a breakdown of when kitten teeth typically appear:

• 2–3 weeks: Baby incisors (front teeth) begin to emerge.
• 3–4 weeks: Baby canine teeth (fangs) appear.
• 4–6 weeks: Baby premolars erupt behind the canines.
• 8 weeks: All baby teeth should be in place (26 total).
• 3–4 months: Permanent incisors replace baby ones.
• 4–5 months: Permanent canines come in.
• 5–6 months: Permanent premolars and molars erupt.
• 6–7 months: Full set of 30 adult teeth.

How to Safely Examine a Kitten’s Teeth

Follow these steps to check a kitten’s teeth safely:

• Gently pick up the kitten and ensure it is calm and relaxed.
• Use your thumb and forefinger to lift the lips on each side.
• Look for tiny teeth or gaps where teeth are emerging or missing.
• Be quick and gentle—avoid stressing the kitten.

If the kitten struggles too much, wait for a quieter moment or seek veterinary help.

Signs at Each Age Stage

Here’s what you might notice at different ages:

• 0–2 weeks: No visible teeth yet.
• 2–4 weeks: Tiny baby teeth (especially front incisors).
• 4–6 weeks: Sharp baby canines and premolars appear.
• 8 weeks: Complete set of baby teeth.
• 3–4 months: Permanent incisors coming in.
• 4–5 months: Permanent canines replace baby ones.
• 5–6 months: Permanent premolars and molars erupt.
• 6–7 months: Full set of 30 adult teeth.

Other Factors to Confirm a Kitten’s Age

While teeth are the best indicators, you can also look at:

• Weight: Younger kittens weigh less than 2 pounds before 8 weeks.
• Eyes: Eye color transitions from blue to adult color around 6–8 weeks.
• Mobility: Coordination improves significantly after 4 weeks.
• Behavior: Playful, exploratory behavior begins around 4–6 weeks.

Common Mistakes When Estimating Age by Teeth

Be cautious of these errors:

• Confusing baby teeth for permanent teeth: Baby teeth are smaller and whiter.
• Assuming slow-developing kittens are younger: Nutrition and health can affect development speed.
• Not accounting for retained baby teeth: Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out on time.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

If you’re unsure about a kitten’s age or notice dental issues like missing teeth, gum redness, or difficulty eating, consult a veterinarian. They can provide a professional dental exam and accurate age estimation.

FAQ

Can you accurately tell a kitten’s age by teeth alone?

Teeth give a reliable estimate, especially up to 6 months, but using additional indicators like weight and behavior improves accuracy.

When do kittens lose their baby teeth?

Kittens typically start losing baby teeth around 3–4 months of age.

What do permanent kitten teeth look like?

Permanent teeth are larger, slightly more yellow compared to the bright white of baby teeth.

How many teeth should a kitten have?

Baby kittens have 26 teeth; adult cats have 30 teeth after full development.

Is it normal for a kitten’s teeth to bleed while teething?

Minor bleeding can occur when baby teeth fall out, but excessive bleeding should be checked by a vet.

Conclusion

Knowing how to tell the age of a kitten by teeth can be incredibly helpful, especially for new kitten owners and rescuers. Teeth provide one of the clearest indicators of a kitten’s age up to about 7 months. Always combine dental observations with other factors like weight, behavior, and eye color for the most accurate estimate. And when in doubt, a veterinarian’s expertise is invaluable.

For more kitten care tips and developmental guides, be sure to visit Kitten Mimi!