Top cat claims from last spring: What pet owners should know

Spring brings warmer weather, longer days and often a change in routine for our cats. While some cats may spend more time exploring sunny spots around the house or outdoors, the season can also be a useful reminder that health problems do not always arrive with obvious warning signs.

Looking at Petcover claims from last spring, conditions ranging from arthritis and joint disease to urinary tract infections, vomiting, hyperthyroidism and heart murmurs were among the most common reasons cat owners claimed.

Some of these conditions can appear relatively minor at first, while others may require ongoing investigation, treatment and monitoring. Here’s what last spring’s claims can tell cat owners.

1. Arthritis & joint disease

6.6% of claims | Average claim: $735 | Highest claim: $4,883

Arthritis and joint disease topped our list of cat claims last spring, accounting for 6.6% of claims.

Cats can be particularly good at hiding discomfort, which means changes associated with joint pain may be subtle. Rather than obviously limping, a cat experiencing joint discomfort might become reluctant to jump onto furniture, use stairs less frequently, spend more time resting or have difficulty grooming certain areas.

Arthritis is particularly associated with ageing, although joint problems can affect cats at different stages of life.

As the weather warms up, owners may also notice changes in their cat’s activity levels. Paying attention to how easily your cat moves, jumps and plays can help you recognise when something has changed.

2. Urinary tract infections

3.7% of claims | Average claim: $955 | Highest claim: $2,894

Urinary tract infections were responsible for 3.7% of cat claims in our spring data, with an average claim of $955.

Signs of urinary problems can include frequent trips to the litter tray, straining to urinate, urinating outside the litter tray, blood in the urine or changes in behaviour.

Importantly, urinary symptoms in cats aren’t always caused by an infection. Bladder inflammation, urinary crystals, stones and other conditions can produce similar symptoms, which is why veterinary assessment is important.

Difficulty passing urine can also be an emergency, particularly in male cats. If your cat is repeatedly attempting to urinate but producing little or no urine, veterinary attention should be sought promptly.

3. Vomiting

3.7% of claims | Average claim: $936 | Highest claim: $5,374

Vomiting also represented 3.7% of claims, but the costs varied considerably. The average claim was $936, while the highest reached $5,374.

An occasional vomit doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem, but repeated or persistent vomiting can have many possible causes. These can range from dietary issues and hairballs through to foreign bodies, toxins, gastrointestinal disease and underlying health conditions.

Spring can also bring changes around the home and garden. New plants, gardening products and other potential hazards may become more accessible, making it worth checking whether anything your cat can reach could be harmful if chewed or swallowed.

Persistent vomiting, vomiting accompanied by lethargy or other symptoms, or an inability to keep food or water down warrants veterinary advice.

4. Hyperthyroidism

2.8% of claims | Average claim: $1,275 | Highest claim: $10,417

Hyperthyroidism accounted for 2.8% of claims and produced the highest individual claim among these five conditions at $10,417.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when a cat’s thyroid glands produce excessive thyroid hormones and is most commonly seen in older cats.

Signs can include weight loss despite an increased appetite, increased thirst, restlessness, changes in coat condition, vomiting or diarrhoea. Because some changes can develop gradually, they may initially be mistaken for normal signs of ageing.

Diagnosis commonly involves a veterinary examination and blood testing, with treatment depending on the individual cat and their overall health.

Our spring claims demonstrate how the financial impact of a condition can extend well beyond an initial veterinary consultation, particularly where investigation, treatment and ongoing management are required.

5. Heart murmurs

2.6% of claims | Average claim: $1,083 | Highest claim: $2,126

Rounding out our five most common cat claims were heart murmurs, accounting for 2.6% of claims.

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound detected while listening to the heart and can have several possible causes. The presence of a murmur does not by itself establish how serious an underlying condition may be, so a vet may recommend further investigation depending on the individual cat.

One challenge for owners is that cats with heart disease may not always show obvious signs early on. Changes such as reduced activity, weakness or breathing difficulties should therefore be taken seriously.

What last spring’s cat claims tell us

One thing that stands out from the data is the variety of conditions behind cat insurance claims.

The five conditions alone ranged from joint and mobility problems to urinary issues, gastrointestinal symptoms, hormonal disease and potential heart problems. Treatment costs also varied significantly.

For example, the average hyperthyroidism claim was $1,275, yet the highest reached $10,417. Vomiting averaged $936, while the highest claim reached $5,374.

It demonstrates how difficult it can be to predict not only when your cat may need veterinary care, but also how much that care could cost.

Protect your cat for the unexpected this spring

Cats can’t tell us when something hurts, and they can be remarkably good at hiding signs of illness. Paying attention to changes in appetite, drinking, toileting, mobility, grooming and behaviour can help you recognise when something isn’t quite right.

But even attentive owners can’t predict every illness or unexpected vet visit.

Pet insurance can help provide financial support towards eligible veterinary expenses when unexpected accidents or illnesses occur, allowing you to focus on getting your cat the care they need.

Help protect your cat this spring with Petcover Cat Insurance.