The cause of feline stomatitis is not known. Veterinarians have proposed a few theories, though:
- The cat may be extremely sensitive to normal dental plaque. His immune system may overreact, resulting in inflammation. (This is one of the more widely accepted theories.)
- The cat may have a suppressed immune system due to stress or another illness, such as the feline leukemia virus.
- Certain breeds may be especially susceptible. Some researchers say feline stomatitis is common among Siamese, Himalayans, Persians and Somalis, though it is also seen in domestic short-haired and long-haired cats.
Because we don’t know what causes feline stomatitis, it’s hard to prevent the condition. Routine dental care is always recommended to maintain your cat’s health.