Erupting Canines in Burmese and Mandalay Kittens: What to Expect and How to Help

If you're raising a Burmese or Mandalay kitten, you might notice something strange happening around the 5 to 6-month mark. While most kittens breeze through teething without any trouble, some experience discomfort, bleeding, or distress as their adult canine teeth erupt.

Signs of Teething Trouble

Kittens may suddenly paw at their mouths, seem unusually upset, or even cry out. It can be alarming—but in most cases, it’s just teething. One of the more memorable experiences I had was with a kitten who seemed distressed for just a few minutes, only to spit his deciduous (baby) canine tooth out right onto my lap!

If your kitten seems to be in pain, you can try applying a small amount of Bonjela (a gel for teething) or give a cat-safe pain relief like Metacam, if you have it on hand from your vet. These usually help quickly, and the discomfort often passes as soon as the tooth comes out.

Not FOPS – Don’t Let Them Scare You

Sometimes, a vet might suggest that your kitten has Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome (FOPS). It’s important to know that this is not the same thing. FOPS is a serious neuropathic condition caused by compression or infection of the trigeminal nerve, typically seen in older cats with dental issues. Certain breeds and head shapes are more prone due to the nerve's anatomical path.

Yes, teething kittens might show similar symptoms—like pawing or shaking their heads—but it’s temporary and resolves once the tooth falls out.

Unfortunately, I’ve had some bad experiences with misdiagnoses. One kitten was incorrectly treated for a seizure disorder for six months, costing both me and the owner a great deal. Even worse, a breeder friend learned too late that a kitten had been euthanized for what was most likely simple teething distress. That’s why I include a detailed section about this in the manual I give to all new owners. Thanks to awareness, these issues have become very rare.

What Should You Do?

If your kitten is acting strange around 6 months of age, check their mouth first. Look for a wobbly baby canine or an adult canine trying to push through in front of the old one. Here’s a photo of a retained deciduous tooth to give you an idea of what to look for (note: this image is similar to the eruption situation described).

Preventing FOPS in Adult Cats

To avoid dental issues later in life—including true FOPS—it’s important to keep your cat’s teeth clean. One of the easiest and most natural ways to do this is by feeding raw chicken necks a couple of times a week. Not only do they act like a toothbrush by scraping off tartar, but your cat will also think it’s a delicious treat!

Just a heads-up: very occasionally, a small piece of bone might get stuck in their teeth, causing them to paw at their mouths. It’s rare, but if it happens, you can usually remove it with a small crochet hook and a friend to help hold them.

In Summary:

Teething can be tough for some kittens, but it’s usually short-lived and not something to panic over. Be observant, offer some comfort, and always check the mouth before jumping to conclusions. And for long-term dental health? Keep those chicken necks coming!

This big pointy tooth is the canine, the new adult canine tooth erupts behind and pushes the baby tooth out (not my photo, - from internet search).