Teeth

Cats have a shorter face than most other mammals.  The means that they have less space for teeth and consequently have 28 to 30 teeth.  This compares for example with the dog which has 42. 

Cat's teeth are specialized.  The front teeth called incisors are used for holding and nibbling.  Rear teeth, molars called carnassials move against each other much like scissors.  These teeth cut and slice food into small pieces they can swallow.

Finally, large and strong, the canines are used for killing and stabbing their prey.  The cat's canine teeth fit between the neck vertebrae killing the prey usually instantly.  Many experts feel that the canine tooth has many nerves at the base that allows the cat to feel for the gap between the prey's vertebrae before biting down. As the cat bites down the tooth inserts itself between the vertebrae like a wedge forcing the vertebrae apart subsequently, breaking the spinal cord.

Tiger cubs

Cubs are born with a set of milk teeth which are gradually replaced by adult teeth; this process starts at about six months of age. The baby teeth are not pushed out in the same way as occurs with humans. The adult set forms beside the milk teeth and once they are well grown in the first teeth will fall out. This prevents an animal dependent upon its teeth for killing from ever having gaps which might prevent it feeding properly.

Tiger canines

The tiger's upper canines are the largest of all the big cats and at 2.5 to 3 inches in length are nearly the size of a man's middle finger. These teeth are used in killing and biting.