Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why do my 5-year-old cat's front teeth seem missing or tiny?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 11 lbs

My cat appears to be missing front teeth in the middle on top. Could I just be not seeing them? If they are missing what causes this? She's 5.5 years old

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 12th, 2017

The upper middle teeth on Mittens may just be so small your are not seeing them.

They may have also fallen out. If they have fallen out this is usually caused by dental disease. Ideally cats and dogs would brush their teeth every day but they don't always allow us to do that.

If she is missing her upper middle teeth do not worry it will not affect her in the long run.

If she has trouble eating or has a bad smell coming from her mouth I would recommend a visit with your veterinarian to make sure she does not need a dental performed.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 12th, 2017
Hi there. Either of the scenarios you describe could be possible. Cats have such small incisors that have such minimal attachment that it doesn’t take much to lose a front tooth. Also, being born without an adult tooth is also commonly seen. Regardless it is unlikely to affect her moving forward. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

My 5-year-old cat is missing teeth and sleeping more. Is this normal?

Yes, losing teeth can definitely make Tippy less playful. This could be painful to him, and he may be suffering from dental disease causing him to lose his teeth. It's not normal for a 5 year old cat to lose teeth, so I would have Tippy seen by a vet first thing in the morning. If he is suffering from dental disease, he may benefit from a dental cleaning, scaling, and polishing.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My senior cat lost a tooth. Does she need an emergency vet visit?

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that about Mitty. If she is acting normal (eating, drinking, playing, eliminating normally) I think you are ok to wait until your vet is open. If she won't eat and drink you should find a vet that is open and have her evaluated. Most times these situations are not emergencies unless the owner has a show dog or cat. Thank you again and good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my 4-month-old kitten's front teeth turning grayish?

She is at the age where she will loose all these teeth very soon, probably in the next couple months, so it might be because of that. if the color remains there on the new set of teeth after the age of 6 months then i would suspect it is something she is chewing, but for now just monitor it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why are my 5-year-old cat's teeth falling out and breath bad?

Poor Ellie! It sounds like she has severe dental disease if her teeth are falling out. This is not normal, and it does indicate bad plaque and tartar buildup. Brushing her teeth at this point will not help, she has to see a vet for this problem. She may have more teeth that need to be removed, and the rest of her teeth need to be cleaned, scaled, and polished. Please call her vet on Monday to make an appointment for her.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat lost a tooth, pawing face, and spit up foam. What to do?

Try gently rinsing out Mittens's mouth with cool water. If she is pawing at her face still, that tells me she is in a lot of pain and needs to see a vet now. Do NOT give her any human pain medications, many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given. Should she have stopped pawing at her face, you can wait until tomorrow to see the vet. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 5-month kitten lost teeth, eating/drinking less, sleeping more.

I'm sorry to hear Platinum is having these issues! Baby teeth are usually lost between 4-6 months of age so she may have just lost her baby teeth. However, some of the other things you're describing are concerning to me, especially in a kitten. These things could be a sign of many things including infection, gastrointestinal disease, or pain. I'd recommend taking Platinum to see a veterinarian as soon as possible so she can receive the necessary treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Platinum is feeling better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Is my 11-month-old cat growing new teeth? Is this normal?

By six months of age they should have all their adult teeth. I am unable to tell what you are referring to in the photo as when I enlarge it, it is very grainy. That premolar tooth you have circled is typically smaller than the others. It could be normal or it could be a baby tooth that never came out but honestly, in over 30 years in this industry, I have never seen that in a cat. Even if it is a baby tooth it will not cause him any harm. If you are very worried you should have your vet check it in person. I would not be concerned about it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share