5 interesting facts about cat teeth

Furry favourites have been living with people for many years, in a safe home environment, but this does not change their nature. And their nature is predatory, and this, of course, is reflected in the cat's anatomy and behaviour. Their teeth are a reminder of this.

Kittens, like humans, have milk teeth

The first 26 teeth begin to appear in kittens at 3-6 weeks of age. Like in humans, they grow milk teeth first. From 11 to 24 weeks of life, the change from milk to permanent teeth begins. This process most often goes unnoticed by the owners of the animal, as the kitten swallows the teeth that have fallen out.

An adult cat has 30 teeth in its mouth, due to the eruption of molars, which do not occur in kittens of the first weeks of life

Cats almost never have tooth decay

The main cause of tooth decay is bacteria, which produce acids in the course of their life. The acidic environment of the oral cavity contributes to the leaching of calcium salts from the tooth enamel, which leads to its damage.

Sugars are an excellent breeding ground for most microorganisms. Since cats don't eat sweets, they almost never get cavities. Despite this, they still need regular oral care. Food debris, plaque and calculus can eventually cause periodontal disease or gingivitis.
 For oral hygiene in cats, special chewable "bones" or veterinary toothpaste and brush are commonly used.
 

Teeth like the fiercest hunter.

The process of chewing food in herbivores and humans differs significantly from that of carnivores, which include cats. If we "grind" food with the flat surface of the molars, representatives of the feline family tear meat into small pieces and swallow them whole. In this they are helped not only by fangs, but also by molars with sharp triangular surface.
They also have special blood-draining grooves that make it easier for cats to shred meat.
 

Cutters for coat grooming

 Cats are very fond of cleanliness. They not only "wash" several times a day, but also pay great attention to their fur. With the help of their front incisors, they can chew out thorns and hairballs caught during a walk.