Understanding Cat Tooth Loss: From Kittenhood to Senior Years

Dental problems, including tooth loss, are extremely common in cats, especially as they age. In addition to being uncomfortable, dental disease can have adverse health effects that extend far beyond the mouth.¹

It’s important for cat owners to know the subtle signs of early dental disease and learn steps they can take to prevent dental disease and other reasons for tooth loss in their cat. Read on to find the answer to, “What should I do if my cat loses a tooth?”

Is It Normal for Kittens to Lose Teeth?

You might wonder, do cats have baby teeth? The answer is yes, they do. Kittens lose their baby teeth by the time they are 6 months old, a process that is perfectly normal. Providing a young cat with toys or snacks they can chew on helps ease the teething process.

Sometimes baby teeth stick around longer than they should and need to be extracted. Since kittens and young cats typically need several vaccinations during their first year of life, your veterinarian will check for retained baby teeth during these visits and let you know if they’re becoming a problem.

Is It Normal for Cats to Lose Their Teeth?

Unlike kittens, an adult cat losing teeth is never normal.

Adult cats should have 30 teeth (if you have a cooperative cat and can count them!). Tooth loss in older cats, even if they seem normal otherwise, should always prompt a call to your veterinarian.

If you’re wondering what to do when a cat loses a fang tooth, your first step should be to contact your cat’s veterinarian.

Common Causes of Tooth Loss in Cats

The 3 most common causes of tooth loss in adult cats are: 

1. Periodontal disease. This is the most frequent cause of tooth loss in adult cats. Periodontal or dental disease begins with plaque buildup, which leads to inflammation that can destroy the tissues holding the teeth in place. Ultimately, an affected tooth will fall out or need removal.^2-4
2. Tooth resorption. This common disease occurs when, for unknown reasons, a cat’s body begins to destroy a tooth, ultimately leading to broken teeth, pain and tooth loss.⁵
3. Trauma. Accidents, fights or chewing on hard objects can cause broken or lost teeth.

Beyond these direct dental issues, underlying systemic health conditions can also play a significant role in cat tooth loss. For instance, diseases like diabetes mellitus can compromise a cat’s immune system and healing ability, making them more susceptible to severe periodontal disease and thus increasing the risk of diabetic cat tooth loss.

Signs of Impending Tooth Loss in Cats

It’s not easy to get a good look at a cat’s mouth, but there are some symptoms pet owners might see that are clues that their cat’s teeth are a problem. They include:

• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums or red gums
• Drooling or pawing at the mouth
• Difficulty eating or weight loss
• Acting interested in eating, then moving away from the food bowl
• Shifting food from one side of the mouth to the other

If you notice any of these signs, call your veterinary care team for guidance.

What to Do If Your Cat Loses a Tooth

For any cat owner, the answer often arises: What should I do if my cat loses a tooth? The unequivocal answer is to call your veterinarian right away, even if your cat seems fine. Finding a lost tooth or noticing that your adult cat is missing one could be a sign that your cat has potential underlying dental issues, and prompt veterinary attention is crucial to help determine the problem and prevent further tooth loss.

In kittens, there is no need to contact your veterinarian unless your youngster seems uncomfortable, or you believe they’ve lost an adult tooth.

Caring for a Cat With Missing Teeth

Cats can do surprisingly well missing some (or even all) of their teeth. In some cases, losing a painful tooth will make a cat more comfortable and improve their appetite.

If your cat has a lot of missing teeth or has lost all their teeth, consider switching to a completely wet food diet. If your cat is especially fond of their dry diet or is on a special diet to address other health needs, mix their dry food with enough water to make a sticky, oatmeal-consistency meal.  

Some cats can and will eat dry food without teeth!

Preventing Tooth Loss in Cats

Owners can take steps to prevent tooth loss in their cat. Teeth cleaning is one of the most important^1-5:  

• Regular veterinary checkups
• Professional dental cleanings
• At-home brushing with feline toothpaste
• Dental diets and treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)
• Water additives and oral rinses

Three great resources for owners are the AAHA Guidelines on Dental Care in Cats and Dogs, the Veterinary Oral Health Council website, and the American Veterinary Dental College website. You’ll find detailed information about cat tooth loss, dental disease prevention and ratings on diets and dental treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when your cat loses teeth?

If your cat is less than 6 months old, then they are simply losing their baby teeth, and there’s no need to worry. If your cat is older than that and has not experienced any external trauma, they are likely having a health issue – such as dental disease.

We know that routine dental care is important for people, but what many pet owners don’t realize is that dental health is just as important for cats, and tooth loss in cats can be an early warning sign of deeper health issues – and should prompt a visit to the veterinarian.

Is caring for a cat with no teeth difficult?

A cat with no teeth can live a long, happy life with minimal changes to your routine. Some cats may need a change to wet food – or soaked kibble – but some will still eat dry food just fine. Even if your cat lost all teeth, your veterinarian will still examine their mouth regularly to make sure everything else looks healthy.

Why is my senior cat losing teeth?

Many factors cause cat tooth loss. Age is one of the most common. Like older people, senior cats are likely to develop more health issues that can affect many parts of the body, including the mouth and teeth. But no matter the age of your adult cat, teeth falling out is a sign to call your veterinarian.

For more expert tips on cat health, explore our other cat dental health articles.

References

1. Moosavian H, Gholikhani M, Tamai IA, et al. Moderate to advanced periodontitis contributes to increased oxidative stress in cats: a case-control study. BMC Vet Res. 2024;20(1):248.

2. Perry R, Tutt C. Periodontal disease in cats: back to basics – with an eye on the future. J  
Feline Med Surg. 2015;17(1):45-65.  

3. O’Neill DG, Blenkarn A, Brodbelt DC, et al. Periodontal disease in cats under primary  
veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors. J Feline Med Surg. 2023;25(3):1098612X231158154.  

4. Pistor P, Janus I, Janeczek M, et al. Feline tooth resorption: a description of the severity of the disease in regard to animal’s age, sex, breed and clinical presentation. Animals (Basel). 2023;13(15):2500.  

5. Palmeira I, Fonseca MJ, Lafont-Lecuelle C, et al. Dental pain in cats: a prospective 6-month study. J Vet Dent. 2022;39(4):369-375.