How many teeth does a puma have?

A puma has 30 teeth. This count refers to the adult puma, also known as the cougar or mountain lion, whose scientific name is Puma concolor.

Its dental formula is I 3/3, C 1/1, P 3/2, M 1/1: three incisors, one canine, three premolars and one molar on each side of the upper and lower jaws. Together, these add up to 30 teeth.

Puma teeth are specialized for a carnivorous diet. The long canines help seize prey, while the enlarged carnassial teeth—formed by a premolar and molar—slice through meat. Their incisors are comparatively small and are useful for stripping flesh.

A common mix-up is confusing the puma with the bobcat. Although both are wild cats, bobcats have a different dental arrangement and fewer cheek teeth. The puma’s total also describes its adult dentition; young kittens begin life without their full set of permanent teeth.