I’ve always been captivated by cat teeth. It’s difficult to comprehend how a being so sweet could have choppers that seem so terrifying. But the manner the cat evolved is exactly what matters. Here are a few facts about your cat’s teeth that you may not be aware of.
1. A kitten’s teeth can reveal its age
Cats have two distinct sets of teeth, just like humans. Between the ages of two and four weeks, a set of 26 “baby teeth,” or deciduous teeth in veterinary parlance, begin to erupt. The adult teeth erupt between three and four months of age. At the end of the day, mature cats have 30 teeth.
2. Cats’ teeth are designed for meat-eating
The molars of cats lack flat surfaces intended for crushing grains and other vegetable materials, in contrast to those of humans and herbivorous animals like cows and horses. They tear the muscle and connective tissue from the bones with their razor-sharp, serrated molars, then chop them into pieces that they may ingest whole. Another reason why cats couldn’t chew up a beautiful salad is that cats’ jaws can only move up and down, unlike ours, which can move from side to side.
3. Use their front teeth mainly for grooming
Cats’ incisors — or as I like to call them, tiny little nibble-teeth — are perfect grooming accessories. With their incisors, cats can catch fleas crawling around in their fur and swallow them whole, for example. The incisors can also be helpful for working mats out of the fur and removing stray plant material after a walk in the field.Popular Read: Why Does My Cat Scratch The Sides Of The Litter Box? – Simple Explanation
4. Cats get cavities, but human can’t see them
When humans get cavities, they usually start on the chewing surface of the tooth and the decay works its way inward. But cat cavities, more accurately known as resorptive lesions, generally start at the neck of the tooth, under the gum line. Most of the time, people aren’t aware that their cats have cavities until they notice a missing tooth.
5. Cat cavities are more painful than human cavities
Although cats’ instincts drive them not to show pain, that doesn’t mean they don’t feel it. If you’ve ever lost a filling, broken a tooth, or had a deep cavity or dental abscess, you know how much it hurts. Cats experience that same level of agony when they develop severe dental problems. If for no other reason than to keep your cat from suffering unnecessarily, please make sure your cat has regular checkups and dental cleanings when your vet recommends it.