Here's why:
* Hunting and Feeding: Fangs are crucial for cats to catch and kill prey. Without them, they would struggle to puncture the skin of their food and would likely have to rely on other methods, such as tearing with their claws or swallowing whole. This would make hunting much more difficult and could lead to malnutrition.
* Defense: Fangs are also a cat's primary defense mechanism. Without them, they would be more vulnerable to attacks from other animals.
* Grooming: Cats use their fangs to groom themselves, particularly for removing matted fur. Losing their fangs would make this task much more challenging.
While a cat could potentially live without fangs, it would require careful management, including a specially-prepared diet and possibly even protection from other animals. It's important to note that de-fangling is a controversial and potentially harmful procedure, and is not typically recommended for cats.
If you are concerned about your cat's teeth, it's best to consult a veterinarian. They can assess your cat's dental health and advise on the best course of action.