Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Indoor Cats?
Most feline-friendly advocates know that your cat is safest when she’s kept indoors. Keeping your cat inside means she avoids accidents and injuries like those with cars, dogs, or eating something poisonous, but also protects her from contracting or spreading diseases like FeLV (Feline Leukemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Your cat also avoids the likelihood of skin cancer: kitties who sleep outside in the sun are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma.
But that doesn’t mean they’re protected from everything. At Healthy Paws, we see plenty of claims that specifically relate to an indoor lifestyle: a new kitten who has fallen from the fridge and hurt their leg or an older cat with urinary crystals needs special medicine. Indoor kitties can also suffer from common ailments like cardiac issues, diabetes and kidney disease. By enrolling cats in pet insurance as kittens, these issues (which frequently pop up as cats get older) will be covered by your Healthy Paws policy. Because even though your cat may live indoors and you do your best to protect her, she still might have to see a vet for chronic conditions or a haphazard injury over the years.
From Kittens to Seniors
By keeping your cat inside, many health risks are reduced — cars alone are a huge hazard for cats — however, accidents can still happen indoors, and hereditary conditions will still be present. Kittens and younger cats can get sick just as easily as older cats, experiencing illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and upper respiratory infections (URIs). Kittens are also incredibly curious and tend to eat things they shouldn’t, like safety pins and rubber bands. As your cats gets older, those with hereditary or congenital conditions will start to show symptoms and need treatments that can be very expensive.
When kitty Bella was diagnosed with cancer last year, her family was not just upset about her prognosis, they were concerned about the effectiveness of the upcoming treatments. They didn’t have to worry about the expense, though. Pet parent Matthew says, “When Bella was diagnosed with a malignant mammary gland tumor, she had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy, which was so stressful and expensive. The vet bills for the treatment totaled $4,591 and we were reimbursed $4,132.”
How Cat Insurance Works
With Healthy Paws, you can visit any licensed veterinarian including the specialists, alternative care providers and emergency animal hospitals that can truly make a difference in your pet’s care. After enrolling your cat, you will have a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses, and a 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia, a condition that can affect Maine Coon, Persian, and Himalayan breeds.
Healthy Paws cat insurance plan pays up to 90% on your veterinary bill and covers injuries, illnesses, emergencies, genetic conditions and much more. If your cat or kitten needs treatment for any accident or illness (except pre-existing conditions and a few other exclusions), you’re covered. We use an easy mobile app for both Android and iPhone where you can simply upload a photo of your vet bill (no claim forms needed!) and manage your pet’s info. Then, claims are processed quickly and reimbursements are directly deposited in your bank account, or a check is mailed. That’s it.
While keeping your pet inside is a great idea, enrolling in cat insurance is even better! If you love your cat like family but wouldn’t be prepared to pay thousands of dollars for an unexpected accident or illness, then you should consider pet insurance. You can cover your furry family member and protect your wallet at the same time. Start by getting a free quote.
Content provided by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Policies are underwritten and issued by ACE American Insurance Company, Indemnity Insurance Company of North America, ACE Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Atlantic Employers Insurance Company, members of the Chubb Group.
