| VIVO Pathophysiology | Digestive System > Pregastric Physiology |
Dental Anatomy of Cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, although pet cats consume a lot of plant material if they are fed dry cat food. None of the teeth of cats, including their molars, have grinding surfaces; they clearly evolved to eat "meat". Dogs also are carnivores, but do have grinding surfaces on their molar teeth. |
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| Dental Formulae | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deciduous | 3 1 3 3 1 2 |
= 13 | Permanent | 3 1 3 1 3 1 2 1 |
= 15 |
| Tooth Eruption | ||
|---|---|---|
| Deciduous | Permanent | |
| Incisors | 3 - 4 weeks | 3.5 - 5.5 months |
| Canine | 3 - 4 weeks | 5.5 - 6.5 months |
| Premolars | 6 weeks | 4 5 months |
| Molars | 5 - 6 months | |
|
The following images demonstrate feline dental anatomy using the skull of a mountain lion. Mountain lions have the same dental formula as domestic cats. | |
| Maxillary Arcade |  |
| Maxillary Arcade (Lateral View) |
 |
| Mandibular Arcade |  |
| Mandibular Arcade (Lateral View) |
 |
 Dental Anatomy |
Pregastric Physiology |
Author: Melissa Rouge
Send comments to Richard.Bowen@colostate.edu