Cats' Teeth

Cats possess the teeth of a true carnivore, adapted for killing prey and eating flesh and bones. In particular, the long, pointed canine teeth are well developed and are used to kill prey by biting through the back of the neck to sever the spinal cord. They are also formidable weapons if the cat becomes involved in a fight.

The last premolars in the upper jaw and the first molars in the lower jaw are the largest teeth present and are called the 'carnassials'. These have cusps with sharp, cutting edges and work against one another in a scissor-like motion, being used for slicing off and chewing the flesh of the prey animal. The smallest teeth are the six incisors at the front of the jaw between the two canines. These are used for carrying prey (or young kittens by a mother cat) as well as for teasing out small strips of flesh.

Cats Care
Acquiring A Cat
Cat Diet
Cat Grooming
Adaptations of Cat
Cat's Behaviour
Cat's Language
Cat Breeding
Elderly Cat Care
Cat Parasites
Cat Illnesses
First Aid for Cats
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