How many teeth do cats have?

What different types of teeth do cats have?

Cats have four different types of teeth, and each has a different purpose:

1. Incisors: These small teeth at the front of the mouth are mainly used for grooming and gripping food and objects. Cats have 12 incisors, with six on the top and six on the bottom.
2. Canines: These are the four sharp, pointy teeth that look like fangs. Cats use them to bite and hold onto their food.
3. Premolars: Sitting behind the canines, cats use their premolars to chew and shear food. Both kittens and adult cats have 10 premolars.
4. Molars: These teeth are found at the back of your cat's mouth and are used for crunching and grinding hard food. Kittens don’t have molars, but they will have four once they‘re adults.

What are cat's teeth made of?

Cat teeth are composed of several layers, each with a specific function:

• Enamel: The hardest substance in the body, enamel forms the outer layer of the tooth. Enamel protects the tooth from general wear, damage and decay.
• Dentin: Below the enamel is dentin, the tissue which forms the bulk of the tooth. Dentin is less dense than enamel but is still hard and protects the tooth's core.
• Pulp: Containing nerves and blood vessels, the pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. The body provides the tooth with nutrients and sensitivity through the blood vessels. The nerves send pain signals to the body when there are problems with the tooth.

Cat dental chart

Our cat dental chart infographic shows the dental anatomy of adult cats. It details the four types of teeth and how each serves a specific purpose. Knowing about these teeth and what they're for is important for keeping your cat's mouth healthy.
 

Read more: Why does my cat have bad breath?

What are the common conditions that can affect my cat's teeth?

Several dental conditions commonly affect cats:

• Periodontal disease: The most common dental issue, periodontal disease affects around 85% of cats over six. It starts with plaque buildup, which leads to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and can advance to severe inflammation, tooth loss and infections if untreated.
• Tooth resorption: This painful condition affects up to 60% of cats. Tooth resorption involves the tooth structure being broken down by the body, often requiring the removal of the affected teeth.
• Gingivostomatitis: Not to be confused with gingivitis, which only affects the gums, gingivostomatitis is a more serious condition that causes ulcers and inflammation across the entire mouth. It's known to be an extremely painful condition, and often requires extensive dental treatment, including extractions.
• Fractured teeth: Cats can fracture their teeth if they hit something hard or bite on hard objects, leading to infections and pain.

At what age do cats have dental problems?

Dental problems, and particularly periodontal disease, most commonly start to appear in cats as early as two years old and become more common with age. Most cats will experience some form of dental issue by the time they’re six years old​.

What do unhealthy cat teeth look like?

Unhealthy cat teeth often show the following signs:

• Discolouration: Yellow or brown teeth, particularly near the gum line, indicate plaque or tartar buildup.
• Red or swollen gums: These are signs of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease.
• Loose or missing teeth: These are signs of advanced periodontal disease or tooth resorption.
• Bad breath: Many cat owners may think bad breath is normal, but it can be a sign of dental disease. This isn't just advice for cats either, as bad breath in dogs can indicate dental problems, too.
• Visible lesions: Resorptive lesions may appear as red or inflamed areas on the gums where the tooth is eroding.

Are teeth bones?

No, teeth are not bones. Teeth are made of enamel, dentin, and pulp, whereas bones are composed of minerals, collagen, protein, and calcium phosphate. While both are hard, teeth are not as flexible as bones and cannot heal themselves in the same way bones can.

How does a tooth feel pain?

Pain in a cat's tooth occurs when the enamel and dentin are damaged, exposing the sensitive pulp. The nerves within the pulp are fine-tuned to sense damage and changes in temperature and pressure. Conditions such as tooth fractures, cavities, or infections can cause significant discomfort for your cat​​.

Read more: Post-dental care guide for your pet

Need more advice on your cat’s dental care?

Regular check-ups, daily at-home dental care, and professional cleanings as recommended by your vet can prevent pain and serious dental health issues. For expert advice, use our find a vet page to find your nearest vet, or speak to a vet online using our video vet service.

Looking for more expert advice on maintaining your cat's dental health? Visit our cat dental care hub for all the essentials.

Prevention is always better than cure, so start taking steps today to protect your pet’s teeth. Members of Pet Health Club get 10% off dental procedures.

Sources:

Scientific Research article on 'Improving the Health of Teeth in Cats and Dogs with Live Probiotic Bacteria' by Veli-Matti Mäkinen, Annika Mäyrä, and Eveliina Munukka

Cornell University Article on Tooth Resorption in Cats

Zoetis Petcare Article on Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

Cornell University Article on Cat Dentistry