Cat insurance?

[A440]

I've recently inherited a cat called 'Cyril' and have been looking into insurance for him. I estimate he's around 6 or 7 years old. Hard to know for sure as he was rescued.

The highest rated insurer according to 'Which' is a company called 'Napo'. They've quoted me £43.12 a month for £8k cover for vets fees per year.

Alternatively I could put £45 a month into a savings account and 'self insure'.

Any thoughts on these options? What do you do?

My last cat was insured with Tescos and the premiums ramped up steeply as he grew older. He never needed a vet and passed away quite suddenly when he was around 12 years old.

[unclealec]

If he is a rescued cat, how do you know that he is called Cyril? Daft name for a cat if you ask me.
I am just back from the vet with Kevin, our 20-yr-old neutered male. It cost £47 plus another £25-odd for medicine for an eye infection. Over the years we average about £100 p.a. on vets bills, so if Kevin is anything to go by just self-insure.
But- that's insurance. Pain in the arse if you never call on it, pain in the arse if you have a big bill (unlikely on a cat) and don't have a relevant policy.

[adrianw]

We have a rescue cat, we don’t know how old it is, we think 9 or 10 so decided to insure it, went with Tesco, once they are over 8 we found that you have to pay 20% excess unless you pay very high premiums

[earlofsodbury]

... Alternatively I could put £45 a month into a savings account and 'self insure'. ...

This is what we do with our cat and dogs.

There are so many exceptions to when these insurances won't pay out, the sums they'll pay are so limited, and, as you say, the premiums rise to such absurd levels as your pets advance in years, that the insurance policies are almost useless, bordering on an outright scam.

Just set-up a standing-order and - as a watch fan - make sure it's not too accessible!

[jukeboxs]

If he is a rescued cat, how do you know that he is called Cyril? Daft name for a cat if you ask me.
I am just back from the vet with Kevin, ...

Very good. We took on 3 rescue cats just after we got married, two were feral brother and sister, who just loved the new names we gave them (Colin and Flora). Cyril and Kevin are equally good names. Not that it matters, cats don't answer to any name, or to anyone, cats rule.

To the OP, we self-insured for our 3 cats - we do insure our dog (with PetPlan, see separate recent thread on pet insurance). It depends on your attitude to risk. Worth taking into account their health history (if you know this) - e.g. our 2 ferals had cat flu as kittens and this did require constant ongoing vet visits in adult life.

[Onelasttime]

I insure our 7-year-old moggy with Animal Friends for £6 per month.


Your Cover: Super Policy

Vet Fees: Your policy has an Annual Condition Limit £1,000

Death of Pet A percentage of the price you paid for them depending on their age, up to £500

Theft and Straying: A percentage of the price you paid for them depending on their age, up to £500

Advertising and Reward: £200

If you can’t look after your pet because you’re in hospital: £500

If your pet injures someone or damages their property: £2,000,000

If your pet needs urgent medical care abroad: £1,500

If you need to cancel or cut short your holiday because your pet needs urgent medical care: £1,000


We've only had to take her to the vets twice - once when she had an infected cut, and once when she had a UTI. Both times were about £100-150 for the treatments. The previous insurance with Argos only had £25 excess so that paid off for us.

I've only really got it in case of anything more serious.

I do love the idea that she's insured for £2m worth of damage she might do to someone or their property

[Ruggertech]

Ours is insured with petplan. He's in his third year and premiums are about £11 a month. They were about £8 a month in his first year, as others have said, it goes up with age (and inflation).
He's had to go to the vets three times for infected bites, the first twice were weekdays and the fee was less than the £75 excess so couldn't claim, the third we had to get him sorted on a Sunday night and the bill was £286 for basically the same treatment as the others.
Petplan paid out the £211 (after excess deduction) within a week or so and the claim was very simple to process. I thought they may have said we should have waited until the Monday morning but there was no quibbles from them at all.
So basically we had him at 3 months old, he's now exactly three, so we have insured him for 33 months at an average of a tenner a month. This means two and three quarter years insurance have effectively cost us about £120.
Not sure why people say a dog needs more expensive insurance than a cat unless you are just going to get a cat put down for conditions which you wouldn't have a dog put down for. 'Mechanically' they are pretty similar, so I would have thought most illnesses and injuries would be in similar ballparks price wise.

[nick67]

We've had cats for years and never bothered with insurance, however we got 2 kittens over 2 years ago and for some reason decided to take out cover with M&S, £13.70 pm for the pair.

Glad we did as I came downstairs Monday at 6:30 and within a minute one of them was having a fit, heartbreaking to see her in that state, thought she was not going to make it as I tried to calm her.

My wife took her to the vets and was given antibiotics and came home, she had another 2 fits the second was violent, back to the vets and on a drip.

As they do not have staff over night she was back home. I've not slept for 2 nights as I was looking after her, she's had only one more fit Monday late evening.

She has been back at the vets for 2 more days for fluids to flush her system of the nasties.

We will have the results later to see the treatment plan.

They say it's very unusual case she has bacterial induced Polycystic liver and hepatitis

[nick67]

This was her last night, she hadn’t slept either for 2 nights, she very tired and scared


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[unclealec]

We've had cats for years and never bothered with insurance, however we got 2 kittens over 2 years ago and for some reason decided to take out cover with M&S, £13.70 pm for the pair.

Glad we did as I came downstairs Monday at 6:30 and within a minute one of them was having a fit, heartbreaking to see her in that state, thought she was not going to make it as I tried to calm her.

My wife took her to the vets and was given antibiotics and came home, she had another 2 fits the second was violent, back to the vets and on a drip.

As they do not have staff over night she was back home. I've not slept for 2 nights as I was looking after her, she's had only one more fit Monday late evening.

She has been back at the vets for 2 more days for fluids to flush her system of the nasties.

We will have the results later to see the treatment plan.

They say it's very unusual case she has bacterial induced Polycystic liver and hepatitis

You have my sympathy Nick; Kevin started with violent epileptic fits so severe that you wouldn't think he would survive them, but afterwards he just shrugged his shoulders and asked for food. He had several over the course of a month, but the frequency dropped until he has not had one for several months now. So fingers crossed for your cat.
Some would say Kevin should be put out of his misery - but he isn't in any! A minutesworth of fitting every few weeks isn't misery. Apart from that, and the arthritis, and senility, and being 20, he's as happy as a dog with two dicks.

[Ruggertech]

This was her last night, she hadn’t slept either for 2 nights, she very tired and scared


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Wishing you and her the best Nick hopefully it's something that will just pass, but it sounds like you timed it right with insurance this time around.

[Onelasttime]

Not sure why people say a dog needs more expensive insurance than a cat unless you are just going to get a cat put down for conditions which you wouldn't have a dog put down for. 'Mechanically' they are pretty similar, so I would have thought most illnesses and injuries would be in similar ballparks price wise.

I suspect dogs are more liable to injury claims as they go out and about for walks every day so more likely to get into scrapes and pick up knocks and cuts. That was definitely the case for our dogs when we were young.

We had a whippet that chased a squirrel and literally ran up a tree trying to get it. She damaged her spine quite severely and was never quite the same.

Also damaged paws and legs slipping in holes and getting cut in undergrowth and woods. Maybe our dogs were just stupid?

[Onelasttime]

We've had cats for years and never bothered with insurance, however we got 2 kittens over 2 years ago and for some reason decided to take out cover with M&S, £13.70 pm for the pair.

Glad we did as I came downstairs Monday at 6:30 and within a minute one of them was having a fit, heartbreaking to see her in that state, thought she was not going to make it as I tried to calm her.

My wife took her to the vets and was given antibiotics and came home, she had another 2 fits the second was violent, back to the vets and on a drip.

As they do not have staff over night she was back home. I've not slept for 2 nights as I was looking after her, she's had only one more fit Monday late evening.

She has been back at the vets for 2 more days for fluids to flush her system of the nasties.

We will have the results later to see the treatment plan.

They say it's very unusual case she has bacterial induced Polycystic liver and hepatitis

Sorry to hear this. Horrible and hope she makes a full recovery.

When our little girl had the UTI we panicked because she was weeing blood all over the house and looked to be in real distress with it. Luckily it was solved with a course of antibiotics.

[Kingstepper]

I suspect dogs are more liable to injury claims as they go out and about for walks every day so more likely to get into scrapes and pick up knocks and cuts. That was definitely the case for our dogs when we were young.

Depends whether cats are kept inside or are free to roam.

[Halitosis]

Given the “”reluctant patient”” aspect, if I were a vet I’ would charge more to treat cats :wink:

[Ruggertech]

I suspect dogs are more liable to injury claims as they go out and about for walks every day so more likely to get into scrapes and pick up knocks and cuts. That was definitely the case for our dogs when we were young.

I see where you're coming from, makes sense.
However, I guess your dog isn't allowed to wander unescorted by you and unless it runs into some bushes isn't normally out of your sight, so you have more control over where it goes than you would a cat.
On the other hand, when your dog is out with you it will sometimes be on unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar dangers, whereas a cat doesn't normally go more than a few gardens and knows every inch of them.
So I think the risks sort of even out for well looked after animals but maybe dog owners have to pay the price for the irresponsible ones (as always).

[Onelasttime]

Depends whether cats are kept inside or are free to roam.

You'd have to ask the insurance company how they arrive at their premiums.

[jukeboxs]

You'd have to ask the insurance company how they arrive at their premiums.

I doubt the Catuaries would divulge their pricing strategies.

[Scepticalist]

I insure our 7-year-old moggy with Animal Friends for £6 per month.
Vet Fees: Your policy has an Annual Condition Limit £1,000

Given vet fees, that's pretty low - our cat had to have an MRI and the total bill for treatment was £1800

[petethegeek]

... cats don't answer to any name ...

This is simply not true - as explained by TS Eliot in The Naming of Cats.

[Tuna1138]

We have had 4 cats over the last 23 years, currently 2 with us and we have always 'self insured'
it's a gamble you take based on circumstances I guess, we always worm, flea and have annual injections etc. but take our chances on other stuff.

I've just checked and we have spent £6175 at our vets over the last 10 years not including worming and flea treatments!
that does include a couple of unfortunate issues including 1x vehicle incident involving surgery and another eye saving surgery, so on average £26/month per cat

You have more of a choice with insurance when it come to pets rather than houses,cars etc. We are happy to gamble but each to their own.

Best thing we pay for with our cats is the Tractive tracking collar & app. gives some reassurance as to whereabouts at all times - Mrs T. insists after one of ours disappeared and never returned

[Kingstepper]

You'd have to ask the insurance company how they arrive at their premiums.

As should you.

[reecie]

Like any insurance it will be based on risk. Such as location. Pedigrees tend to have more genetic issues. Big dogs cost more than small. Ones that get nicked more these days will cost more. Dogs the owners are also liable for any accident they cause (trespass, livestock damage, I guess car accident type stuff) whereas cats are "free spirits" (Animal Act 1971) so you as the owner don't have the same liability.

[paw3001]

We have a 1 year old rescue cat called Morris. He is insured via Animals Friends which seem to have the best cover at a reasonable cost. We pay under £13 per month for the following


But there is also an excess of £150 for any claim so there is a good argument for self insuring. I suppose insurance comes into it own if there is a major condition or injury but then it’s always a gamble.

What I have found more useful is a monthly vet plan which covers all his vaccinations and flea and pest treatments as well as check up visits. That is £15 per month.

So if you can remain disciplined self insuring I would do that with a monthly vet plan.

Oh and Morris is a big softy

[Onelasttime]

As should you.

I don't care. You seem to.

I just took an educated guess at why dogs are more expensive than cats.

[Kingstepper]

I don't care. You seem to.

I just took an educated guess at why dogs are more expensive than cats.

And I took a guess as to why the opposite might be true. I care as much as you seem to.

[Onelasttime]

And I took a guess as to why the opposite might be true. I care as much as you seem to.

NEWS FLASH UPDATE

The cost of cat insurance is usually cheaper than the cost of dog insurance because vet fees for cats are generally less than they are for dogs.

Also, cats are slightly less expensive to insure than dogs because cats don’t need third-party liability insurance. That means that you as an owner are unlikely to be held responsible for any damage your cat causes, unlike with a dog.


https://manypets.com/uk/articles/wha...nsurance-cost/

[noTAGlove]

Why isn’t the NHS extended to cover cats? Universal health care for all. Free at the point of use.

[A440]

OP here. Thank you all very much for your posts and suggestions. They have been most helpful.

I've decided to self-insure and have set up a monthly standing order to another account. I promise not to spend the money accumulated on watches! I may also go for a monthly vet plan. My local vet offers one for £15.50 a month.

Cyril sends his thanks!

[jukeboxs]

^ Cyril looks less than impressed with the responses !

[Onelasttime]

OP here. Thank you all very much for your posts and suggestions. They have been most helpful.

I've decided to self-insure and have set up a monthly standing order to another account. I promise not to spend the money accumulated on watches! I may also go for a monthly vet plan. My local vet offers one for £15.50 a month.

Cyril sends his thanks!

He looks like a masked crusader, ready to fight for justice, whatever it takes

[A440]

^ Cyril looks less than impressed with the responses !

He does have resting grumpy face, but deep down he's a softy!

[A440]

He looks like a masked crusader, ready to fight for justice, whatever it takes

I shall let him know, I'm sure he'd like that role!

[berin]

Ours is insured with petplan. He's in his third year and premiums are about £11 a month. They were about £8 a month in his first year, as others have said, it goes up with age (and inflation).
He's had to go to the vets three times for infected bites, the first twice were weekdays and the fee was less than the £75 excess so couldn't claim, the third we had to get him sorted on a Sunday night and the bill was £286 for basically the same treatment as the others.
Petplan paid out the £211 (after excess deduction) within a week or so and the claim was very simple to process. I thought they may have said we should have waited until the Monday morning but there was no quibbles from them at all.
So basically we had him at 3 months old, he's now exactly three, so we have insured him for 33 months at an average of a tenner a month. This means two and three quarter years insurance have effectively cost us about £120.
Not sure why people say a dog needs more expensive insurance than a cat unless you are just going to get a cat put down for conditions which you wouldn't have a dog put down for. 'Mechanically' they are pretty similar, so I would have thought most illnesses and injuries would be in similar ballparks price wise.

That seems very reasonable. Our pet plan policy for 3 cats is £150 a month, rising to £220 at renewal. One cat is older (13) and he’s £65, but they would only pay 50% of any claim.
The other 2 are 5 years old

The last claim was for the old fellow, it was about £1000 so we got half back.

At the new prices we’ve decided to self insure, putting the money into a repurposed savings account.


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[Ruggertech]

That seems very reasonable. Our pet plan policy for 3 cats is £150 a month, rising to £220 at renewal. One cat is older (13) and he’s £65, but they would only pay 50% of any claim.
The other 2 are 5 years old

The last claim was for the old fellow, it was about £1000 so we got half back.

At the new prices we’ve decided to self insure, putting the money into a repurposed savings account.


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I'm guessing it's the older cat raising the premium? No fault of his of course.
I think you would be making a pretty safe bet self insuring at £150 a month, that would soon mount up in your dedicated account.

[Mj2k]

We self insure for our cat - he does like to get poorly when the vets are 'closed' though, clearly likes the 121 attention.

Luckily based on our monthly donations he is very wealthy, just as well given he seems intent on knocking my MacBook off the sofa arm, so will be buying me a new one of he does!

He is 10yrs old and has 'his' own 10k ISA, not bad for never having done a day of work.

[nick67]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated

Ellie is now home, eyes no longer yellow/orange, eating well and sleeping, so am I!!!!!

She’s on a cocktail of drugs which should mean she’ll be ok after a week

Crap week all in all so will chuck something into the fundraiser for the support I’ve had

[Der Amf]

how do you know that he is called Cyril? Daft name for a cat if you ask me.
I am just back from the vet with Kevin, our 20-yr-old neutered male.

He will never be left on the shelf cause Kevin, he's in love with himself

[berin]

I'm guessing it's the older cat raising the premium? No fault of his of course.
I think you would be making a pretty safe bet self insuring at £150 a month, that would soon mount up in your dedicated account.

The older cat is the most expensive at £65. I checked the cover which is lifetime and up to £7k per year.
Bills can get big quite quickly but £150 a month is a lot to lay out!


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[Ruggertech]

The older cat is the most expensive at £65. I checked the cover which is lifetime and up to £7k per year.
Bills can get big quite quickly but £150 a month is a lot to lay out!


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Indeed it is!

[nick67]

Afraid not good news, she has congenital liver decease and having her put to sleep on Friday.

Just going to spend the week spoiling her!!!!

[Mj2k]

Afraid not good news, she has congenital liver decease and having her put to sleep on Friday.

Just going to spend the week spoiling her!!!!

So sorry to read this, Nick.

Give her the best, most spoiled week she has ever encountered & remember how happy she will be from all the treats.

[Raffe]

Afraid not good news, she has congenital liver decease and having her put to sleep on Friday.

Just going to spend the week spoiling her!!!!

Sorry to hear Nick.

[Ruggertech]

Afraid not good news, she has congenital liver decease and having her put to sleep on Friday.

Just going to spend the week spoiling her!!!!

Ah damn, so sorry to hear that Nick. Hope you make some more happy memories with her this week.

[Tuna1138]

Afraid not good news, she has congenital liver decease and having her put to sleep on Friday.

Just going to spend the week spoiling her!!!!

Poor Ellie, bless her. Thoughts with you and yours.

[nick67]

Thanks for the kind words

Unfortunately she didn't make today, she was put to sleep Wednesday.

She will be sadly missed.

She was placed to rest by my neighbour as I have a lung infection in front of our bench where we used to have an evening beer.

Her sister bless her brought in a mouse at 1am the following morning for us