What result characterizes the presence of malocclusion in a cavy?

The presence of malocclusion in a cavy is characterized by how the teeth align and interact, which can significantly impact the animal's health and well-being. When a cavy suffers from malocclusion, it means that their teeth are not meeting properly, leading to issues such as difficulty in eating and inability to maintain proper dental health. This deterioration can result in severe consequences for the cavy, making it unfit for competition in a show, as show standards require animals to be in optimal health and condition.

In contrast to the chosen answer, other options do not directly address the consequences of malocclusion as clearly. Improper coat texture might indicate other health issues but is not a direct result of dental problems. Inability to groom effectively could be related to various factors, including stress or age, and while it may occur with malocclusion, it is not a definitive result. Excessive weight gain can be a result of many factors, including diet, rather than a direct characteristic of malocclusion. Therefore, the most appropriate characterization of malocclusion's impact is that it renders the cavy unfit to compete, emphasizing the importance of dental health in show standards.