Do Kitten Teeth Hurt? Teething Signs and Relief
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Kitten teeth can hurt, much like teething does in human babies. The discomfort is usually mild and temporary, but some kittens show real mouth pain when baby teeth push through or adult teeth arrive. Knowing what normal teething looks like helps you tell ordinary chewing from a problem that needs a veterinarian.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Quick Answer
- Kittens have 26 baby teeth that start erupting around 2 to 4 weeks of age, with premolars arriving at 5 to 6 weeks [1].
- Adult teeth begin coming in around 4 to 7 months, and this second teething phase often causes the most chewing [1].
- Mild gum soreness, drooling, and a strong urge to bite are common and usually not dangerous.
- Offer safe, soft chew toys and cold items, and never give hard objects that can break teeth.
- Call your vet if you see bleeding, swelling, a bad smell, trouble eating, or a baby tooth that never falls out.
What Kitten Teething Looks Like
Teething in kittens is a moving target. The mouth changes fast during the first months of life, and the signs shift with each stage.
The baby tooth stage (2 to 6 weeks)
Most kittens are born with no visible teeth. The small front teeth (incisors) begin to erupt at 2 to 4 weeks of age, and the baby premolars come in at 5 to 6 weeks [1]. During this window, a kitten's gums can feel tender and swollen. You may notice more mouthing, extra drooling, or a kitten that suddenly seems fussy during nursing or while eating soft food.
At this age, kittens are also being weaned and learning to play. Much of the biting you see is normal social behavior, not pure teething pain. Kittens can generally leave their mother and littermates once they are weaned, beginning at 6 to 7 weeks old [2]. If you bring a kitten home around that time, expect some mouthy behavior as part of normal development.
The adult tooth stage (4 to 7 months)
Permanent teeth usually begin to appear at around 4 to 7 months [1]. This is when many owners notice the most chewing. The baby teeth loosen and fall out while the adult teeth push through. A kitten may chew furniture, hands, cords, or shoes more than usual during this phase.
Some kittens swallow lost baby teeth, so you may never find them. That is normal. What matters is whether the adult tooth comes in cleanly and whether the baby tooth falls out on schedule.
What is normal versus what is not
Normal teething signs include:
- Mild gum redness or swelling
- More chewing and mouthing
- Slight drooling
- A brief drop in appetite that recovers within a day or two
Signs that are not normal include:
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Swelling of the jaw or face
- A foul smell from the mouth
- Crying or pulling away when you touch the mouth
- Refusing to eat for more than a day
- A baby tooth that stays in place after the adult tooth appears
Dental pain in cats is often missed, even by experienced observers. A 2022 study of 64 cats found that dental disease is common and that pain signs can be subtle [3]. The same caution applies to kittens. If something seems off, it is worth a closer look.
What Do Kittens Teeth On?
Owners often ask what kittens teeth on, and the answer is simple: almost anything within reach. Kittens explore the world with their mouths, and teething makes that urge stronger.
Common targets include:
- Hands and fingers
- Feet and ankles
- Cords and cables
- Furniture legs and corners
- Clothing and blankets
- Other pets' tails and ears
This behavior is normal, but it can be redirected. The goal is to give your kitten an appropriate outlet and to make inappropriate targets less rewarding.
Main Causes of Mouth Pain in Kittens
Teething is the most common reason a kitten has mouth discomfort, but it is not the only one. The table below covers the main causes and how urgent each one is.
| Cause | Typical clues | How urgent |
|---|---|---|
| Normal teething | Mild gum redness, chewing, drooling, kitten still eats and plays | Routine, monitor at home |
| Retained baby teeth | Baby tooth still present after the adult tooth appears, sometimes crowding | Routine visit, extraction may be needed |
| Dental fracture | Broken tooth, visible pulp, pain when eating, drooling | Same day to urgent |
| Oral infection or osteomyelitis | Jaw swelling, bad smell, reluctance to eat, fever | Urgent, same day |
| Malocclusion (bad bite) | Teeth hitting the roof of the mouth or lip, difficulty eating | Routine to urgent depending on severity |
| Tooth resorption | Pain when chewing, missing tooth, sometimes no visible sign | Routine visit, dental X-rays needed |
Retained baby teeth are a common reason for extraction in young cats. A study of 305 deciduous canine tooth extractions found that 58.4% were done because the baby tooth stayed in place [4]. That is a large share, which tells you how often this problem shows up in practice.
Some kittens have a congenital condition called patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome (PADS). It causes persistent baby teeth, impacted adult teeth, and weak bones. In a study of 13 cats with PADS, jaw swelling from bone infection was often the reason they were brought in for dental care, and this typically happened within the first 4 years of life [5]. PADS is uncommon, but it is one reason a retained baby tooth deserves attention instead of a wait-and-see approach.
Red Flags That Mean Emergency
Most teething is mild. Some mouth problems are not. Get emergency care right away if you see any of these:
- Heavy bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
- Swelling under the eye or along the jaw that is growing fast
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- A kitten that cannot close its mouth
- Collapse, weakness, or extreme lethargy
- A known trauma, such as a fall or a bite from another animal
For non-emergency but concerning signs, call your veterinarian the same day. These include:
- Refusing all food for more than 24 hours
- Drooling that soaks the chin and chest
- Crying when eating or when you touch the face
- A foul odor from the mouth
- A baby tooth that is still there weeks after the adult tooth came in
Dental pain in pets is often overlooked because animals hide it well. The inability to communicate does not mean a cat is not in pain [6]. Trust your instincts. If your kitten seems uncomfortable, have it checked.
Safe Things You Can Do at Home
While you wait for a vet visit, or during normal teething, there are several safe ways to ease discomfort.
Offer cold, soft chews
A clean, damp washcloth that has been frozen can be soothing for a teething kitten. So can a soft rubber toy that has been chilled in the refrigerator (not the freezer). Cold numbs the gums and gives your kitten something appropriate to bite.
Avoid hard items. Bones, antlers, hooves, and hard plastic toys can fracture teeth. A broken tooth with exposed pulp is painful and often needs extraction [4].
Redirect chewing
When your kitten bites your hands or furniture, replace the target with a toy. Do this every time. Kittens learn fast when the rule is consistent. Keep cords out of reach and use cord covers where you can.
Keep mealtime gentle
If your kitten seems sore, offer soft food at room temperature or slightly cool. Warm food can be more irritating to tender gums. Make sure fresh water is always available.
Do not use human pain medications
Never give your kitten human pain relievers. Many are toxic to cats. Pain management for pets is a veterinary decision, and the right drug and dose depend on your kitten's weight, age, and health [6]. Your veterinarian will calculate the dose.
Handle the mouth gently
You can look at your kitten's mouth, but be gentle. Lift the lip to check the gums and teeth. If your kitten pulls away or cries, stop and call your vet. Forcing an exam can make your kitten fearful of handling.
Start dental habits early
Once your kitten is comfortable with mouth handling, you can begin gentle tooth brushing with a cat-safe toothpaste. This sets up a lifetime habit. For more on this, see Prevent Dental Problems In Cats and How To Prevent Dental Problems In Cats.
What Your Veterinarian Will Check
When you bring your kitten in for mouth concerns, your vet will do a full oral exam. This includes checking the gums, teeth, tongue, and roof of the mouth. They will look for retained baby teeth, fractures, swelling, and signs of infection.
Your vet may also:
- Count the teeth to see if the number matches the expected 26 baby teeth or 30 adult teeth [1]
- Check the bite for malocclusion
- Feel the jaw for swelling or pain
- Recommend dental X-rays if a problem is suspected
- Discuss extraction if a baby tooth is retained or a tooth is fractured
Extraction of baby teeth is a common procedure. A study comparing techniques found that closed extraction took less surgical time without more complications than open extraction in dogs and cats [4]. Your vet will choose the method that fits your kitten.
Kittens also need regular wellness visits. They should see the vet every 3 to 4 weeks until they are about 6 months old for shots and parasite treatment [2]. Those visits are a good time to ask about teething and to have the mouth checked.
Prevention and Monitoring
You cannot prevent teething, but you can prevent many dental problems that start in kittenhood.
- Check the mouth monthly. Look for retained baby teeth, broken teeth, or swelling.
- Keep up with wellness visits. Your vet can catch problems early [2].
- Feed a balanced diet. Good nutrition supports healthy tooth development.
- Offer safe chew toys. This protects teeth and redirects chewing.
- Start brushing early. Daily brushing is the gold standard for home dental care.
- Watch for pain signs. Subtle changes in eating, grooming, or play can signal mouth pain [3].
If your kitten has other health conditions, dental pain can add to the burden. For example, cats with kidney disease or arthritis may show pain differently. You can read more about recognizing pain in these articles: Cat Kidney Disease: How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain and Cat Arthritis: How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain. Ear pain can also change behavior in ways that look like mouth pain, so see Cat Ear Infection with Pain: Signs and Emergency Steps if your kitten is shaking its head or scratching its ears.
Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian
This article gives general information. Every kitten is different, and only a veterinarian who examines your kitten can diagnose and treat a specific problem.
Contact your veterinarian the same day if your kitten:
- Stops eating for more than 24 hours
- Has a swollen jaw or face
- Has bleeding from the mouth
- Cries when eating or when the mouth is touched
- Has a baby tooth that has not fallen out after the adult tooth appeared
Go to an emergency clinic now if your kitten:
- Has trouble breathing or swallowing
- Has heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Has a rapidly growing swelling
- Collapses or becomes very weak
- Has a known injury to the mouth or jaw
For routine concerns, such as mild chewing or a single retained baby tooth, schedule a regular visit. Your vet can decide if extraction or monitoring is best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kittens teeth hurt when they come in?
Yes, teething can cause mild discomfort as teeth push through the gums. Most kittens handle it well and continue to eat and play. If your kitten stops eating or seems very sore, call your vet.
How long does kitten teething last?
Teething happens in two phases. Baby teeth come in from about 2 to 6 weeks of age, and adult teeth arrive around 4 to 7 months. The adult tooth phase is usually the one owners notice most because of the chewing.
What can I give my kitten for teething pain?
Offer cold, soft chews such as a frozen washcloth or a chilled rubber toy. Do not give human pain medications, which can be toxic to cats. If your kitten seems very uncomfortable, your veterinarian can decide whether pain medication is needed and calculate the right dose.
Is it normal for my kitten to chew on everything?
Yes, chewing is normal during teething and as part of play. Redirect your kitten to appropriate toys and keep cords and valuables out of reach. Consistent redirection usually reduces unwanted chewing over time.
When should I worry about a retained baby tooth?
Call your vet if a baby tooth is still present after the adult tooth has come in. Retained baby teeth are a common reason for extraction and can cause crowding or bite problems. Your vet can check the mouth and recommend the next step.
Related Articles
- Cat Kidney Disease: How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain
- Cat Arthritis: How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Pain
- Prevent Dental Problems In Cats
- Cat Ear Infection with Pain: Signs and Emergency Steps
- How To Prevent Dental Problems In Cats
- Why Is My Cat grooming less than normal? Obesity Dental Pain and Depression
- Kitten Teething: How to Help and Care for New Teeth
- Kitten Teething: Timeline, Biting, and What to Expect
- Do Kittens Lose Their Teeth? Kitten Teething Timeline
References
- Dental Development of Cats - Cat Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Kitten Care - Cat Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Dental Pain in Cats: A Prospective 6-Month Study. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2022.
- Closed Extraction of Deciduous Canine Teeth Required Less Surgical Time Without Increased Complication Rate Compared to an Open Technique in Dogs and Cats. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2026.
- Characterization of Oral Pathology in Cats Affected by Patellar Fracture and Dental Anomaly Syndrome (PADS). Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2023.
- Oral and Dental Pain Management. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 2025.