Sometimes inexperienced cat owners ask themselves: “Do kittens' teeth change?” If so, how do they change? Do you need any special pet care during this period? ” This article will be the subject of today's article.
To fully understand the issue, we will start from birth. So, kittens are born, like most animals, completely toothless. The first incisors appear after the eyes have fully opened (after two weeks, sometimes later). A month later, the baby already has the first “milk set”. At this age, you will not be able to examine molars - they erupt later, like fangs. By the way, precisely because of the absence of the latter, you can often see the peeking tip of the tongue.
When do kittens change their teeth? The age at which this occurs can vary. Usually this process begins with three months, sometimes a little earlier or a little later. In weekly deviations in either direction, there is nothing to worry about.
Oddly enough, even experienced cat owners do not always “catch” this moment. The fact is that the teeth change gradually, rather slowly (tentatively - up to five months) and often without any signs of malaise, that is, absolutely painless. After the change of incisors, a turn of the fangs begins, and after them the indigenous ones, called molars and premolars, grow. In total, thirty of them grow (the upper jaw has two molars more than the lower). By six months of age (and sometimes a month later), the change of teeth is already ending. This period requires increased attention in relation to the pet.
At a time when kittens change their teeth, you need to be especially responsible for the quality of food. During this period, the animal is quite vulnerable, since its immunity is significantly reduced. It is in that age period when kittens' teeth change that the most likely infection with viral diseases. Poor food, lack of vitamins and calcium will negatively affect the development of the body as a whole, in particular - the condition of the skeletal system. It will be useful to note: weak animals then give weakened offspring. Increase the amount of cottage cheese, enter complex top dressing (with the obligatory content of calcium, with phosphorus).
Another important point: when kittens change their teeth, you should refuse vaccinations (even in the case when the first vaccinations for some reason were not done on time). Alas, not every veterinarian pays such a “trifle” attention, “forgetting” to remind the owner of the animal about the weakened immunity of the baby. And the risk is really great, because each vaccine is the introduction of the virus, even dead, in small quantities. An organism in a state of stress (we are talking about the time when kittens change teeth) is twice as difficult to deal with harmful microorganisms.
Very often, owners indicate a certain moodiness of their pets and a desire to chew on everything. The phenomenon is understandable and understandable. Remember the expression "teeth itch"? Chewing helps kittens get rid of milk teeth, making room for new, larger and stronger ones. Do not punish pets at this time. It is better to buy special toys (for example, dried cores) that will bring your pet both benefits and pleasure.
Sometimes you have to face a situation when a new tooth has already appeared (or even grown), but the old (milk) tooth has not fallen out. In this case, do not worry - a five-minute appointment with the veterinarian will help solve this problem.