When Does a Kitten Start Teething?

Teething is a natural and essential stage in a kitten’s early development. Just like human babies, kittens go through a teething process as they transition from milk teeth to adult teeth. If you’re wondering “when does a kitten start teething?”, this guide will walk you through the teething timeline, symptoms to expect, and how you can support your furry friend during this milestone.

Table of Contents

• 1. When Does Teething Start in Kittens?
• 2. The Development of Kitten Milk Teeth
• 3. Stages of Kitten Teething by Age
• 4. Signs Your Kitten Is Teething
• 5. How to Help a Teething Kitten
• 6. Safe Chew Toys for Teething Relief
• 7. When to Consult a Vet About Teething
• 8. FAQ

1. When Does Teething Start in Kittens?

Kittens typically begin teething at around 2 to 3 weeks of age, when their baby teeth (also known as deciduous teeth or milk teeth) begin to emerge. The full set of milk teeth usually appears by 6 weeks old. Teething continues until their adult teeth grow in, which is usually completed by 6 to 7 months of age.

2. The Development of Kitten Milk Teeth

Just like humans, kittens are born without visible teeth. Their first set of teeth begins to erupt as early as the second week of life. Here’s the typical order:

• 2–4 weeks: Incisors (front teeth) begin to appear
• 3–4 weeks: Canines (fangs) start emerging
• 4–6 weeks: Premolars and molars come in

By 6 weeks, a healthy kitten should have 26 baby teeth.

3. Stages of Kitten Teething by Age

Stage 1: 2–6 Weeks – Baby Teeth Emerge

Kittens begin teething with their baby teeth between weeks 2 and 6. These teeth help them begin to chew and wean off their mother’s milk.

Stage 2: 6–8 Weeks – Transition Begins

The teething process slows as all 26 baby teeth are fully in. This stage sets the groundwork for the permanent teeth to form beneath the gums.

Stage 3: 3–4 Months – Permanent Teeth Replace Baby Teeth

This is when the real teething begins again. Kittens begin losing their milk teeth and growing 30 adult teeth.

Stage 4: 5–6 Months – Most Adult Teeth Are In

Adult incisors, canines, premolars, and molars are mostly visible. This is the peak teething phase with the most discomfort and chewing behavior.

Stage 5: 6–7 Months – Teething Complete

Most kittens will have their full set of 30 permanent teeth by 7 months. Chewing decreases, and discomfort subsides.

4. Signs Your Kitten Is Teething

It’s helpful to recognize the common signs of teething in kittens:

• Chewing on soft objects, fingers, or toys
• Mild gum bleeding (may be seen on toys)
• Drooling or excessive licking
• Irritability or grumpiness
• Decreased appetite (due to gum soreness)
• Pawing at their mouth

These symptoms are typically mild. If your kitten stops eating completely or shows signs of severe discomfort, consult a veterinarian.

5. How to Help a Teething Kitten

Here’s how you can make your teething kitten more comfortable:

• Provide soft chew toys: Designed for teething kittens to relieve soreness
• Use chilled (not frozen) toys: Cold helps soothe inflamed gums
• Feed soft or moist food: If dry food irritates their mouth
• Gently massage their gums: Using a soft cloth or finger
• Keep cords and small items out of reach: Prevents destructive or unsafe chewing

6. Safe Chew Toys for Teething Relief

Teething kittens need to chew — so offer appropriate options:

• Silicone or rubber kitten teething toys
• Soft plush toys that they can safely bite
• Chilled cloth toys (dampen and refrigerate for relief)
• Dental sticks formulated for kittens

Avoid hard plastic, string-based toys, or anything that can splinter or choke them.

7. When to Consult a Vet About Teething

Most kittens pass through teething without major issues. However, consult your vet if you notice:

• Persistent bad breath (could signal infection)
• Swollen or bleeding gums that don’t improve
• Retained baby teeth (called “double teeth”)
• Drooling with visible pain or refusal to eat

In rare cases, dental problems like malocclusion (misaligned bite) may require treatment.

8. FAQ

Q1: What age do kittens lose their baby teeth?

A: Kittens begin losing their baby teeth around 3 months old and finish by 6 to 7 months.

Q2: Can teething make my kitten sick?

A: Mild discomfort is normal, but if your kitten shows signs of fever, vomiting, or won’t eat, consult a vet.

Q3: Is it normal for kittens to bleed when teething?

A: Slight gum bleeding may occur when a tooth falls out. Heavy or persistent bleeding should be checked by a vet.

Q4: Should I brush my kitten’s teeth while they’re teething?

A: You can start slowly introducing dental care with a soft finger brush and kitten-safe toothpaste.

Q5: My kitten has double teeth — is that a problem?

A: Retained baby teeth can occur. If both baby and adult teeth are present in the same spot, a vet may need to extract the baby tooth.

Conclusion

Teething is an important part of your kitten’s growth, beginning as early as 2 weeks old and typically ending by 6–7 months. During this period, your kitten may chew more, act fussier, or show subtle changes in appetite and behavior. Providing comfort, safe toys, and gentle support will help them get through this developmental phase with ease. Keep an eye on their oral health and consult your vet if anything seems off — a healthy mouth leads to a healthy, happy cat!