Just like human babies, kittens experience teething, a phase that can bring discomfort and a natural urge to chew. Whether you’ve welcomed an eight-week-old kitten or are caring for kittens from your own cat, understanding teething and providing the right toys is crucial for their well-being and your furniture’s safety. This guide will explore everything you need to know about Cat Teething Toys to help you navigate this stage smoothly.
Understanding Kitten Teething
Kittens go through two rounds of teething. The first phase begins when they are just two to eight weeks old as their baby teeth emerge. These initial teeth are sharp and tiny, but they are temporary. Around three months of age, the second teething phase starts, lasting until they are about six to eight months old. This is when their permanent adult teeth replace the baby teeth.
Recognizing the signs of teething can help you provide timely relief and the appropriate teething toys. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:
- Facial Sensitivity: Your kitten may become sensitive around their face, resisting touch or showing discomfort when petted near the mouth.
- Reduced Appetite: Sore gums can make eating less enjoyable, leading to a temporary decrease in appetite.
- Irritability: Teething discomfort can make your kitten seem grumpier or more irritable than usual.
- Excessive Chewing: A strong urge to chew on anything and everything, from furniture legs to your hands, is a classic sign of teething.
- Face Rubbing: Kittens may rub their faces against surfaces in an attempt to relieve gum discomfort.
- Decreased Grooming: Mouth soreness can make grooming uncomfortable, leading to a temporary decline in their usual grooming habits.
- Bleeding Gums: You might notice slight bleeding from their gums, which is normal during teething but should be monitored.
Kitten Teething Timeline: From Baby Teeth to Adult Chompers
To better understand what your kitten is going through, here’s a detailed timeline of kitten teething:
2-4 Weeks
Baby teeth start to erupt.
4-6 Weeks
Canine and premolar baby teeth emerge.
8 Weeks
All 26 baby teeth are typically present.
11-12 Weeks
Baby teeth begin to fall out as adult teeth prepare to erupt.
3-4 Months
Incisors, the front teeth, come in.
5 Months
Adult canine teeth emerge, which are larger and stronger than baby canines.
6 Months
Molars and premolars, located further back in the mouth, erupt.
7-8 Months
By this time, most kittens have their full set of 30 adult teeth, and the teething process concludes.
Top Teething Toys for Kittens: Our 16 Picks
Providing your teething kitten with appropriate toys is essential to redirect their chewing instincts away from your belongings and offer them comfort. Here are 16 popular and effective cat teething toys:
1. Emours Catnip Stick Teeth Grinding Chew Toy
This natural wood chew toy is infused with catnip to attract your kitten. Its durable nature makes it suitable for chewing, but always supervise use to ensure your kitten doesn’t ingest splinters.
2. Kong Hugga Wubba Cat Toy
A classic for a reason, the Kong Hugga Wubba is a soft, plush toy with crinkly sounds that kittens adore. Filled with catnip and designed for durability, it can withstand enthusiastic chewing sessions.
3. Kong Kickeroo Cat Toy
The Kong Kickeroo combines catnip and crinkle paper in a long shape, perfect for kittens who love to chew and kick simultaneously. Its size and texture make it ideal for wrestling and teething relief.
4. Kong Refillable Turtle Catnip Toy
This adorable turtle toy from Kong is refillable, ensuring the catnip scent stays fresh. Its soft yet sturdy construction makes it a comforting and long-lasting chew toy.
5. Kong Teddy Bear Toy with Catnip
Another plush and durable option from Kong, this teddy bear toy is filled with catnip and features a delightful crinkle sound. Its cuddly shape and enticing features make it a favorite for kittens of all ages.
6. Leaps & Bounds Little Paws Teething Mouse Kitten Toy
This cute mouse toy combines soft plush with durable ears designed for chewing. The catnip filling and crinkle sound add extra layers of engagement for teething kittens.
7. Leaps & Bounds Little Paws Teething Ring
A ring-shaped toy with ribbons and pompoms, this teething ring offers varied textures for chewing and play. Its durable design is perfect for active kittens going through teething.
8. Orca Wiggle Worm Cat Toy
Made from non-toxic plastic infused with catnip, the Orca Wiggle Worm provides a different chewing texture. While the catnip scent may fade, it can be easily refreshed with catnip spray.
9. Petstages Catnip Rolls
Simple, soft, and durable, Petstages Catnip Rolls are filled with catnip and crinkle material. Their compact size and enticing scent make them ideal for young kittens.
10. Petstages Catnip Chew Mice
These popular chew mice are soft, durable, and filled with catnip. Their small size is perfect for kittens, and they provide a comforting chewing experience.
11. Petstages Catnip Plaque Away Pretzel
The unique pretzel shape of this toy offers various chewing angles, promoting dental health while soothing teething gums. It’s designed to help clean teeth as your kitten chews.
12. Petstages Dental Cat Chew Toy with Catnip
These soft yet durable toys come in various shapes and often include ribbons for added playfulness. Filled with catnip, they are designed to entertain and provide teething relief.
13. Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel
One of the most popular options, the Dental Kitty Chew Wheel features ribbons and a durable ring. Its playful design and teething-friendly material make it a kitten favorite.
14. Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick
For a refreshing twist, the Fresh Breath Mint Stick is filled with cat-safe mint and herbs that create a crinkling sound. It helps freshen your kitten’s breath while they teethe.
15. Pet Life Blue Totty-Chew Plush and Rubber Squeaking Teething Toy
This multi-functional toy combines plush, rubber, and a squeaker for varied play and chewing experiences. It’s perfect for kittens who enjoy cuddling, chewing, and interactive play.
16. Spot Atomic Bouncy Ball Cat Toy
These bouncy balls come in packs of two and feature soft curves that provide texture for chewing. They are also great for interactive play, encouraging chasing and pouncing.
Keeping Kitten Teething Toys Interesting
To ensure your kitten remains engaged with their teething toys, try these tips:
- Toy Rotation: Kittens can get bored with the same toys. Keep only a few toys out at a time and rotate them daily or every other day to maintain novelty.
- Catnip Refresh: For catnip toys, replenish the catnip if possible, or use catnip spray to revive the scent and re-entice your kitten.
- Chill Out: Some toys, especially cloth-based ones, can be dampened and chilled in the refrigerator or freezer (ensure they are damp, not soaking wet before freezing). The cold can provide extra soothing relief to inflamed gums.
Conclusion
Providing your teething kitten with a variety of appropriate toys is essential for their comfort and development. By understanding the teething process and offering engaging and safe cat teething toys, you can help your furry friend navigate this phase with ease and protect your home from unwanted chewing. With these 16 top recommendations and tips for keeping toys interesting, you’re well-equipped to support your kitten through their teething journey.
