Top 10 Cat Claims

A tan and white cat with their paws on a windowsill peers outside

In the world of pet insurance, some pet parents may be curious about the most common cat insurance claims. As you can imagine, the top claims align with common cat health problems and common cat injuries.

Cat Insurance Claims: How Do They Work?

Submitting a claim is not only easy but also the first step toward reimbursement. You will typically have a few choices for how you submit a claim, although it may vary depending on your pet insurance provider. One option is to use your provider’s app. For instance, with the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program, you can download their free app, My Pet Insurance. After receiving a claim, simply open the app, navigate to the Claims section, and provide a brief description of the incident along with a picture of your invoice.

Another option for claims submissions is to visit your pet insurance provider’s website, where you can sign into your account and provide practically the same information as you would have on the app. Some companies will also offer the option of submitting claims via email, fax, and mail.

Normally through your provider’s app or website, you will be able to track the progress of your claim. Assuming that no additional information is needed in order to process your claim, and you’re eligible for reimbursement (e.g., your deductible has been met, you’re no longer in the waiting period, you haven’t met your annual limit, and you’re submitting claims for a covered condition), then you will have the option to receive your money back via direct deposit or a check in the mail.

Top Cat Insurance Claims

If you are considering signing your feline friend up for cat insurance but are curious which claims fellow cat parents are often filing, check out this list of the most common cat insurance claims, according to our claims data.**

Annual exams
All cats should be taken to their veterinarian for a yearly check-up. Assuming that your feline friend is in tip-top shape, they may only need to go back for another examination the following year. However, even if your cat is incredibly healthy, it’s crucial that you never skip their veterinarian appointments.

For starters, the professionals may be able to catch an issue that you didn’t notice, and when it comes to health conditions, the earlier an item is diagnosed, usually, the easier it is to treat. Annual exams are also the perfect opportunity for the veterinarian to monitor any existing health conditions your cat may have, and you can ask any questions or bring up any concerns you may have.

From the time you first adopt your kitten throughout their life, taking them to their annual exams is a wonderful step for preventive care.
End-of-life services
As your best pal enters their golden years, you may notice more white in their fur, difficulty hearing, and not as much pep in their step, but for many senior cats, they remain kittens at heart.

As your feline friend ages, they may require more veterinary visits and have more healthcare needs. Sticking with your cat and their needs every step of the way, your pet’s insurance may also be able to help when new issues arise. Plus, when the time comes that you and your feline friend must say goodbye, your insurance provider may be able to help with some of these end-of-life services.
Gastrointestinal issues
These types of issues relate to the stomach and intestines and can include many different items, but vomiting is a common issue. If your cat occasionally gets sick, either from hairballs, spoiled food, or ingesting plants, there isn’t much reason to be worried. However, vomiting can also be a sign of a serious condition such as infections, foreign body ingestion, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer, among other illnesses.
Microchipping
Microchipping your pet is highly recommended. Even if your cat is an indoor-only cat, the possibility still exists that they could accidentally get out one day. Though they may have a collar and tags, microchipping your pet can provide extra reassurance in case their collar was to fall off.
Ear infections
This type of infection is relatively common in felines and requires antibiotics to be treated. If you notice signs such as swelling or redness in the ear canal, ear discharge, head tilting, or scratching at the ears, these could all indicate an ear infection. Once at their veterinarians, your cat will receive a quick examination to be officially diagnosed.
Respiratory issues
There is a variety of respiratory issues that can affect cats. Some of these include upper respiratory infections or asthma. These types of health conditions will require a trip to the veterinary clinic in order to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, such as asthma, your cat may require reoccurring medications and check-ups.
Eye issues
There are many issues that could affect a cat’s eyes. Some of these can include pink eye, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal damage, and eye inflammation. To protect your feline’s eyes, check them regularly. You will want to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, such as redness, cloudiness, discharge, or uneven pupil sizes. In addition to checking your cat’s eyes at home, you will also want to schedule them for regular wellness examinations where the veterinarian may also take a closer look at their eyes.

At home, you can also clean your cat’s eyes on a regular basis. Although most cats are pros at self-grooming, if you notice some goopies around their eyes, you can help them clean their face. Using a clean, damp, and soft cloth, gently wipe down and away from your cat’s eyes, being careful not to touch the eye itself.
Irritated skin
Like people, felines can also be prone to sensitive or irritated skin. From fleas and ear mites to dry skin and allergies, there are numerous reasons why your cat’s skin can become inflamed.
Periodontal disease
This is the most common dental disease in cats, which mainly affects their gums. There are a few ways you can help prevent this disease from occurring. One includes giving your cat treats that are specially formulated to help clean plaque off their teeth. When shopping for these products, you will want to look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval on the packaging. Another great way to protect your kitty’s teeth is to brush them regularly with cat-safe toothpaste.
Urinary conditions
Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a term used to refer to multiple conditions that affect a cat’s lower urinary tract. Some of the health problems in this category include urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones (urolithiasis), and feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC).

Although these are the top pet insurance claims for cats, many other health issues or injuries can still affect felines. Since accidents and illnesses are often unpredictable, it can be helpful to keep up to date on what may come your cat’s way.

Cat Insurance Benefits

A fantastic way to stay a step ahead with your cat’s health is to sign them up for a pet insurance plan. Whether you have a small kitten or a gray-haired senior, there’s no better time than the present to consider getting your cat coverage. Although the list is long, some of the main benefits of cat insurance include,

Financial assistance with paying eligible veterinary bills
Peace of mind that your pet is covered in case there’s unexpected accidents and illnesses
Encouragement to get your cat preventive care and any other medical check-ups they may need

One of the other great things about pet insurance is that your cat’s plan can be customized to better fit their needs (and your budget).

_{**Internal Claims Data, 2017-21}

_{An ASPCA^® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}