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Cats beat dogs at the insurance lotto.
Image source: Getty Images
Cats aren’t just cuddleable, squishy flufferkins with toe beans. They’re family. Like all family members, they may fall prone to health issues. A solid pet insurance policy can help pay for treatment.
Naturally, cats are superior to dogs…in that they’re cheaper to insure. The most expensive dog breeds to insure cost more than twice as much to cover than the most expensive cat breeds. That’s because cats are smaller and visit the vets less often, on average. Cats are awesome like that.
That said, some purebred cats command higher monthly premiums than their fellow felines. According to Pawlicy data, here are five of the most expensive cat breeds to insure.
1. Sphynx
Turns out, these iconic patchy-furred kitties are some of the most expensive to insure. The Sphynx lacks the body hair to protect them from skin conditions like excess oil production, which can lead to infection. Their patchy fur can leave them vulnerable to cold temperatures. Even taking them outside is risky business.
Ear infections, heart disease, and muscle atrophy are common Sphynx health conditions. But it’s not all bad. Some of the most common conditions are preventable by keeping the breed clean and warm. Others can be treated at a clinic. That said, it will weigh on pet owners’ wallets.
2. Himalayan
Long-haired and short-faced, the Himalayan is a gorgeous breed. But they are predisposed to specific genetic issues. For one thing, their unique facial structure can lead to breathing issues like asthma or bronchitis. They’re also susceptible to eye and dental problems. Because of their long hair, they might be unable to cough up furballs, which could require pricey treatment.
3. Persian
The smushy-faced Persian is as mellow as they are expensive to insure. About 1 in 3 develop Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), an incurable kidney disease that can only be managed with treatments like antibiotics, pain medicine, etc. They are also susceptible to other health issues, like blindness, that make insurance more expensive.
4. British Shorthair
The breed that inspired the Cheshire cat from Alice and Wonderland, the British Shorthair, is stocky and long-lived. They may be prone to kidney issues or congenital heart problems, which require treatment at the vet. But generally, they’re healthy cats.
5. Maine Coon
Big and hardy cats, Maine Coons have been around for a while. Though generally considered a healthy breed, they’re vulnerable to common conditions like obesity, which affects around 1 in 3 cats and can lead to diabetes. Their size makes them prone to hip dysplasia, a common condition among large pets. Larger animals typically demand higher premiums.
Affordable pet insurance
Affordable pet insurance is about more than adopting the healthiest cats you can find (though that certainly helps). Pet insurance companies consider your cat’s breed, age, and location. The sooner you purchase pet insurance for cats, the lower your monthly premiums will be.
Once you’ve acquired your pet, these are non-negotiable. There’s no de-aging an old cat! But you can still limit how much you pay for pet insurance.
Raise your deductible. You’ll pay more for treatments, but your monthly premiums will shrink. Should you raise your deductible, be sure you can foot unexpected vet bills.Switch to an annual plan. You’ll have less freedom to swap insurers, but switching to an annual plan may lower your monthly premiums.Bundle. Many insurers offer multi-pet discounts. There’s little downside to bundling.
Each option comes with pros and cons. On average, cat insurance costs $24/month for accident and illness coverage. Consider how much you’re willing to shell out when your cat gets sick, and use that number to estimate how much you’d be willing to pay for insurance.
One more thing to remember: the shorter your cat’s lifespan, the less you’ll pay in lifetime premiums. But if you consider yourself a serial cat owner (can’t live without them!), lifespan has little financial impact since you’re never without a fluffy, thread-batting furball.
New pet owners may want to consider setting up a pet savings account for emergencies. No cat owner wants to choose between healing their sick cat and paying their mortgage bill. A high-yield savings account is a solid place to store funds (and earn a little interest).
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