Trupanion Pet Insurance Data Reveals Trends in Feline Health, Veterinary Visits
With the onset of kitten season upon us in North America, many young cats will find their way into our households. As responsible, loving pet parents seek guidance on caring for these new companions, Trupanion, Inc., a leading provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers insights into feline health derived from over 20 years of their pet health data.
Cat Ownership on the Rise
Trupanion offers these insights at a time of rising prominence of cats within our households. According to recent studies1, the number of cats in North American households has been on the rise over the past five years, with 24 percent of U.S. households owning cats in 2023. Additionally, the number of households with two or more cats has also increased over that same timeframe, reaching nearly 50 percent of cat-owning households.
With the rise in cat ownership, more pet owners are turning to pet medical insurance to ensure they don’t have to make tough financial decisions. The 2023 NAPHIA State of the Industry report noted that the number of insured cats in the U.S. and Canada totaled over 1.3 million in 2023, up from less than half a million in 2019, steadily gaining share of the total insured pet population since 2018.
Trends in Feline Veterinary Visits
According to Trupanion data, dogs make 82 percent more unexpected visits to the vet than cats. Trupanion consulted with veterinarian and Trupanion general manager, Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M Infotech CVA ACVCHM, for insights on this trend.
“As Trupanion data highlights, cats are less likely to visit the veterinarian than their canine counterparts. While there are a multitude of reasons cats may be less likely than dogs to visit the veterinarian, one such reason is that cats tend to hide their pain and discomfort, which can mask signs of illness. This makes regular veterinary visits important for cats to ensure they receive the necessary care and health checks they might not show they need.”
While routine veterinary visits are not something that is typically covered by traditional pet insurance, these visits can help identify illnesses that would be otherwise covered.
Common Claims for Cats:
Despite their reputation for independence, cats are not immune to health issues. Our data highlights some of the most common claims made by cat owners, including dental problems, urinary tract issues, and digestive disorders. While the average cost of treating these conditions varies, it underscores the importance of being prepared for unexpected veterinary expenses.
The most common claims for cats are as follows:
- Renal failure
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Lymphoma
- Mass Lesion
- Gastroenteritis
According to Trupanion data, the average veterinary invoice for Lymphoma approximates $600, the average invoice for vomiting approximates $450 and the average invoice for a mass lesion approximates $400.
Fun Cat Facts
- The most common cat names for Trupanion insured cats are Luna, Oliver and Leo
- Highest cat populations for Trupanion members are in California and Ontario, Canada
- In 2024, 35 percent of cat owners using Trupanion have 2 or more cats insured
- In 2023, the most popular cat breed was Ragdoll with the Maine Coon following in second place. So far in 2024, Maine Coon is the most popular and Ragdoll is in second place.
- The record highest single invoice Trupanion has paid for a cat was in 2017 and totaled over $53,000 for the treatment of Peritonitis.
As cat ownership continues to rise, it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of our feline friends. By staying informed about common health issues, being financially prepared for veterinary care, and scheduling regular check-ups, we can provide our cats with the care they deserve.
