There are several fascinating facts about cat teeth. You will be amazed to know about all of these.
You might know things about your four-leg furry friend, but you may not know your cat completely. Let’s take an example, cats don’t chew; they swallow their food. Interesting right!
To help you out, we have gathered some captivating cat teeth facts which will assist you in learning more about your feline friend.
We have collected a total of 12 intriguing cat teeth facts in this blog so let’s run to know all of these right now!
Fascinating Facts About Cat Teeth
So, here are 12 interesting facts about cat teeth. You can read and know more about the cat’s dental issues and overall oral care.
1. Cat’s Can’t Move Their Jaw in Horizontal Direction
This one is of the interesting cat teeth facts on the list.
So, just like humans, cats can’t move their jaw side by side. They can only do up and down movement.
2. Cat’s Have Fangs
As you know, cats are carnivorous animals. Their teeth are made for hunting prey. Cat fangs are specialized to kill the flesh and meat. Cats with long fangs don’t chew food like us. Their molars’ teeth can’t function to churn the food.
So, basically, they gulp their food down to the stomach. Now, you know why cats can’t eat veggies!
3. They Have Two Sets of Teeth in Lifetime
Just like us, even cats have two sets of teeth in their lifetime. They are not born with teeth, but with the time and after 2 weeks, they get the first set of pearly white teeth, also called baby teeth or deciduous.
Later, they get their eternal set of teeth. Well, cats get their permanent teeth very fast; the time period is not the same as ours. They receive their adult teeth by the 3rd month.
And, it can long last if you appropriately take care of the cat’s mouth.
4. Each Tooth Has Unique Function
Just like we have molars, premolars, canines, and incisors that have a distinct function, even cats have different teeth for various purposes.
Cat canine tooth is made to catch the prey. It helps them to grab and kill the prey as fast as possible. Cat’s incisors also aid to catch the victim but with a better grip. So, there is no scope for losing her food.
They use their premolars to cut the food, which comes in functions very less because they swallow their food. The last cat molars set are also not much used as they are used to churn and chew the food.
Feline utilizes their front teeth the incisors to groom themselves. They are famously known as grooming teeth.
5. Chances of Cat Cavities Are Less
The chances of cats suffering from cavities are negligible. Because like us, they don’t feed sugary products. Cats’ teeth are shaped and designed uniquely that they don’t cause oral bacteria.
One interesting fact when a cat gets cavities, we can not see that. Because like us their teeth don’t decay from the surface it starts from the bottom of the tooth.
Cavities start from the gum line, and let me tell you; it hurts severely. The pain is worse, till the time we notice their cavity, the tooth falls out. Thus, taking care of your sweet feline’s oral health and hygiene is essential.
6. Cats Also Have Periodontal Diseases
Cat’s have dental problems. They can develop gum disease (Gingivitis), oral inflammation, and tooth resorption.
Gingivitis is a dental health condition in which gums get red or swollen, especially the inner cheek-side gums. The portion of plaque and calculus is high.
Tooth resorption starts with the tiny hole in the kitty’s enamel, but later this lesion can spoil their whole tooth. It’s extremely hard to treat. It can even lead to tooth extraction.
Also, they can have bad breaths, excess salvation too.
7. Felines Can Eat Even After Tooth Extraction
Other cat teeth facts are that if your feline friend has a tooth problem and under some conditions, and if the veterinarian asked for tooth extraction, don’t worry, she can still eat her cat food and treats. Not just wet food, she can also consume dry food too!
After all, it is better to have less painful teeth than having a complete set of teeth, right!
8. Dental Care Can Keep Cat’s Teeth Strong
Cat is the cleanest creature. They keep themselves all day clean, but they can’t do it when it comes to dental care, so they need their owners to take care of their oral hygiene.
If you regularly clean their teeth with a brush and toothpaste and go for a regular oral check-up, they can have a long-lasting healthy set of teeth.
9. Cat’s Teeth Have Nerves
Another interesting cat teeth fact is that they have nerves inside their teeth’ pulp, which is shielded by dentin.
If the tooth decays, the nerves get affected, and hence their body signals pain.
10. Feline Don’t Show Dental Pain
Kitties hide their oral problems to stay stronger in front of their prey. Cat’s don’t express their pain.
Although their behavior will change when they face such issues, they may skip eating food, start drooling, paw their mouth, lose weight.
11. You Can Check Kittens Age by Their Teeth
When a kitten is born, she has 26 teeth, and when they turn into adults, they have 30 sets of adult teeth at nearly three to four months.
12. Cat Use Bones to Clean the Teeth
As you know, cats can groom themselves but can’t clean their teeth well; therefore, they use bones for cleaning their teeth. Cat’s ancestors used to chew bones to get rid of plaque and tartar from their teeth. Nowadays, cat owners use cat toothpaste and brush to keep their teeth clean.
So, these were some cat teeth facts!
FAQs
Are cats born with teeth?
No, cats are not born with teeth, but after 3 to 4 months, they get their first set of milk teeth, also called deciduous.
Do cats have fangs?
Yes, cats do have fangs which are called cats incisors. These are used to kill their prey, and cats can also nibble their fur with these.
Do cats have front teeth?
Yes, cats have front teeth, which are also called grooming teeth, as they used to groom their fur with that.
Do cats have molars?
Yes, cats have molars, but they don’t come in use because molars are used in grinding food, and cats don’t chew their food. They have 4 molars, 2 on the upper side and the rest on the lower side.
Summing It All Up!
Do you know your cat can move her jaw in the vertical direction? Yes, she can! There are so many facts that you must know to make sure your cat has a trouble-free life and not toothless life!
Now you know a lot of amazing facts about cat teeth that will help you. Our 12 interesting facts about cat teeth might have shaken you!
Also, if you know more interesting cat teeth facts, do let us know in the comment section below! And, if you love this article, share it with other cat owners too!
Till then, take veterinary help and keep her healthy!
References
- Lockjaw in Cats – PetMD
- Big Cats, Big Teeth – National Geographic
- Periodontal Disease – AVMA