How to Decide if Your Cat or Kitten Needs Pet Insurance
As a cat owner, we know you only want the best for your furry friend. Of course, you provide them with the love, food, and warmth they require, but have you considered whether your cat could also benefit from pet insurance? In this article, we’ll go over some tips for deciding if or when you need to get pet insurance for your cat.
Securely Research Different Plans
The first thing you need to do is research different insurance plans to find out what each one covers. For example, some plans only cover accidents and illnesses, while others include routine care like vaccinations and check-ups. You also need to consider the deductible and annual claim limits per plan. Remember that when researching plans and finding quotes, you will have to provide sensitive personal and financial information, so it’s wise to use privacy-enhancing Chrome apps like ExpressVPN to protect your personal data from falling into the wrong hands and give you peace of mind.
Consider The Cost of Insurance
It’s important to note that pet insurance premiums can vary widely. For example, factors like your cat’s age, breed, and where you live all affect the cost. On average, you can expect accident and illness cat insurance to cost about $32 a month. Although this might seem like a lot, it could save you thousands if your cat needs major medical care. For example, if your cat breaks a leg while running around outside, treatment will be a minimum of $1,500. Remember, 42% of pet owners say a surprise vet bill of $999 or less would force them into debt, and it’s worth considering if the same would be true for you.
Examine Your Cat’s Lifestyle
Your cat’s lifestyle can influence how urgently they might need pet insurance like Trupanion. For example, if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, they’re at higher risk for injuries from accidents or fights with other animals. Outside, they’re also more exposed to parasites and diseases. Due to this, it may be a good idea to keep a stash of dewormers and parasite medication from PetSmart or Petco to provide quick treatment at home and keep vet bills low.
On the other hand, indoor cats are generally safer, but they’re still not immune to various health issues, like those above, and could have accidents at home.
Assess Your Cat’s Health Risks
As you already know, every cat is unique, and this means their health risks can also vary. You should take your cat’s age into account, as older cats are much more likely to develop severe health issues that require extensive veterinary care. It’s worth considering that if you adopted your cat from an adoption service like SNAP Cats, it may have already had health issues you’re not aware of.
Beware of Breed-Specific Health Issues
Keep in mind that some cat breeds are prone to specific health issues. For example, Maine coons are at higher risk for some heart problems, while Persians often have breathing difficulties due to their flat faces. If your cat is a purebred, research common health issues found in their breed. Unfortunately, these breed-specific problems can lead to higher vet costs over time.
Deciding whether to get pet insurance for your cat is a highly personal choice. You should consider your cat’s health, age, and lifestyle, as well as your own financial situation and how much you value the peace of mind that your pet is insured.
