4 Reasons Pet Insurance is Worth Getting for Indoor Cats
Updated August 28, 2023.
Our cats are mostly self-sufficient creatures—they groom themselves, value their alone time, and often seem content with their indoor life. Still, you might be asking yourself, "Do I need pet insurance for an indoor cat?" Though outdoor cats are more exposed to potential dangers, indoor cats are not immune to illness or accidents. Indoor cats can suffer from various health problems like obesity, dental diseases, UTIs, and cancer.
So, in the end, is preventative pet insurance worth it? Considering the potential veterinary costs that could come your way, investing in preventative pet insurance for your indoor cat can provide both financial relief and peace of mind.
4 Reasons Your Indoor Cat Needs Pet Insurance
- Your Peace of Mind
- Risk of Injuries
- Health Issues
- Expensive Vet Bills
1. Your Peace of Mind
Pet insurance provides a safety net for unexpected health issues or accidents. Many pet parents don’t think about pet insurance until their animals get older, but young kittens can still have accidents. In fact, they're quite prone to mishaps due to their high energy and curious nature.
By enrolling your cat in a pet insurance plan early, you avoid potential exclusions from pre-existing conditions. Plus, pet insurance premiums are typically lower for younger, healthier cats.
Finally, pet insurance will also give you the peace of mind that comes with always having financial assistance to deal with unexpected vet bills. When an emergency occurs, you'll be able to focus on caring for your cat without having to worry about your budget.
» Learn why male cats are more expensive to insure
2. Risk of Injuries
Just because your cat is living indoors doesn't mean they are fully protected from potential injuries. Cats love jumping onto and off high surfaces, and indoor environments are full of enticing heights.—a tall bookcase, the top of the fridge, sometimes a door frame! But jumping down onto an unstable surface can lead to falls and injuries, including serious ones like dislocated joints or broken bones.
Cats' never-ending curiosity means they are also at risk of swallowing small objects lying around the house. That innocent-looking hair tie, string, or tiny toy? They can cause an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract or perforate the bowel, both of which require immediate veterinary attention.
Having pet insurance can help you manage the costs associated with these unexpected incidents.
3. Health Issues
Indoor cats might be safer from many common outdoor threats, but they are still susceptible to a number of health issues, including:
- Vomiting: This can often occur if cats chew on toxic houseplants common to many homes, such as lilies, daffodils, or mistletoe. Accidental ingestion of human foods can upset cat's digestive system (like grapes, raisins, or onions). Vomiting can also be a symptom of infections or diabetes.
- Diabetes: Cats are particularly susceptible to diabetes because they lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Add to that potential overfeeding that can lead to obesity and the risk increases. Symptoms to watch for include increased thirst and appetite, urinating outside the litter box, and lethargy.
- Feline lower urinary tract diseases (FLUTD): These conditions affecting the bladder and urethra often appear in cats suffering emotional or environmental stress. Other underlying issues that might lead to FLUTD include urinary stones, urinary infections, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of FLUTD include straining to urinate or suddenly urinating in unusual places.
- Diarrhea: Curious cats that ingest spoiled food can end up with diarrhea, but this can also be caused by allergies, infections, and even liver disease.
4. Expensive Vet Bills
Do indoor cats need to go to the vet? If you’re thinking living indoors means your cat doesn’t need insurance, think again. Vet bills can pile up surprisingly fast, particularly when dealing with emergencies or chronic conditions. From diagnostics to treatments, emergency surgeries, and prescription medications, the cost of keeping your indoor cat healthy can quickly exceed expectations. Pet insurance offers an effective way to manage these costs, ensuring that you're financially prepared to handle any illnesses or injuries that might occur.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It for an Indoor Cat?
The answer is almost always yes. According to a report, a large number of pet owners feel that a $1000 veterinary bill would cause financial stress—and this is enough reason to consider pet insurance to ease that burden.
Why Insurance Matters
Your cat may live indoors, but that doesn't shield them from potential health issues or accidents. Pet insurance offers a safety net for unexpected veterinary costs, giving you peace of mind as a pet owner. By investing in pet insurance, you can ensure that your indoor cat receives the best care, regardless of what may come their way.
Ensuring Your Indoor Cat's Health
When looking into pet insurance for your indoor cat, consider Embrace Pet Insurance. Embrace policies offer comprehensive coverage for accidents, illnesses, genetic conditions, chronic illnesses, and more. With their personalized coverage, you can choose the plan that works best for your cat, including adjusting the deductible and reimbursement rate. Embrace's optional Wellness Rewards program also covers routine expenses like vaccinations and preventive treatments.
