There are a few differences between kitten teeth and cat teeth, including: Number: Kittens have 26 deciduous teeth, while adult cats have 20 permanent teeth. Strength: Kitten teeth are not as strong as adult cat teeth, says Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a vet at a small animal clinic in Northern California and a veterinary consultant for We Love Doodles. Adult teeth must last a lifetime, while kittens have their baby teeth for less than five months. Susceptibility to tooth decay: This lack of strength makes kitten teeth more susceptible to tooth decay if they consume too much milk because the sugar content is higher, says Dr. Ochoa. This can encourage bacteria growth. However, adult cat teeth are “still susceptible to decay without proper oral hygiene,” she says. Size and shape: “Kittens' teeth are smaller, sharper and more pointed than adult cats' teeth,” says Dr. Ochoa. “Adult cats' teeth are broader and flatter to help them break down food better.”