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anatomy guide

Cat dental anatomy — teeth overview

Overview of feline teeth — fewer than the dog's, sharply pointed, and dominated by shearing carnassials matched to an obligate-carnivore diet.
General educational reference only — not clinical or veterinary advice. Anatomy varies between individual animals; consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concern.

Tooth sets and count

Kittens grow a deciduous set of teeth that is later replaced by permanent teeth. An adult cat typically has 30 permanent teeth, fewer than a dog's. The change to adult teeth happens during the first months of life.

Carnivore tooth shape

Feline teeth are sharply pointed and adapted for grasping and slicing rather than grinding. The prominent canine teeth seize prey, and the carnassial teeth act as shearing blades to cut through tissue. Cats have few flat grinding surfaces, reflecting their obligate-carnivore diet.

Tooth structure

Each tooth has a crown covered in enamel and roots set into the jaw, with an inner pulp containing nerves and blood vessels. Feline teeth have closed roots and do not grow continuously once fully erupted. Chewing in cats is minimal compared with grinding herbivores.

Sources

More Cat anatomy

Digestive systemSkeletal systemCardiovascular systemRespiratory systemUrinary systemIntegumentary system

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