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.

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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.