What you need to know about pedigree cat insurance
Pedigree cats can cost you a lot of money, as they’re prone to hereditary illnesses. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right pet insurance to cover any unexpected vet fees.
Pedigree cats can cost you a lot of money, as they’re prone to hereditary illnesses. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right pet insurance to cover any unexpected vet fees.
What exactly is a pedigree cat?
A pedigree cat is one whose mother and father are of the same specific breed. They should come with paperwork highlighting their family tree and be registered with organisations like the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), The International Cat Association (TICA) or Fédération Internationale Féline (FiFE).
There are more than 70 recognised breeds and varieties of pedigree cat, but they’re not very common. In fact, an estimated 70%-90% of UK cats are plain old moggies.
Today, among the top five most popular pedigree cats in the UK are the British Shorthair, the Bengal, the Ragdoll, the Persian and the Siamese. Other popular pedigree breeds include the Maine Coon, the Norwegian Forest cat and the Sphynx.
How much is insurance for a pedigree cat?
You may find that a pedigree cat costs more to cover than a mixed breed because they can be more susceptible to some illnesses. So, it’s important to shop around to find the best deal you can for you and your pedigree pet.
What else affects the cost of my pet insurance?
The premium you pay isn’t determined just by breed. Your cat’s age and where you live are among other things insurance providers will take into account.
What hereditary conditions affect pedigree cats?
Some of the more common pedigree cats can suffer from these hereditary conditions:
- British shorthair cats can suffer from hyperthyroidism, cardiomyopathy and cystitis.
- Persian cats can suffer from breathing difficulties, dental diseases and skin infections.
- Siamese cats can be prone to feline heart disease, diabetes and asthma.
- Tonkinese cats can be at risk of developing heart defects, problems with their eyes and asthma.
- Bengal cats can be prone to lameness, abscesses and tumours.
- Maine Coon cats can be prone to heart disease, spinal muscular atrophy and hip dysplasia.
What can pedigree cat insurance cover?
Cat insurance can cover the cost of vet’s bills for treating an accident or new illnesses. It can also cover:
- complementary treatments – physiotherapy, alternative medicine and more.
- cattery fees – if you’re unable to look after your cat because you fall ill.
- costs of cancelling your holiday because your cat is ill.
- your cat passing away - some providers may cover the cost of putting your cat to sleep and some will even cover bereavement counselling
- theft of your cat - this could be a one-off payment to you if your cat isn’t found or cover costs to help find them
- costs of advertising and offering rewards if your cat goes missing or is stolen.
- costs of emergency treatment if your cat is taken ill abroad.
You’ll need to check your policy to see exactly what’s covered.
What types of pedigree cat insurance are there?
There are four pet cover options to choose from offering different levels of cover. These range from accident only, which only covers vet bills if your cat has an accident, to lifetime pet insurance, which is the most comprehensive type of cover.
See more about the available pet insurance options.
What may not be covered by your pedigree cat insurance?
- Pre-existing conditions – these are almost certainly not going to be covered by any insurance provider. This is why it can make sense to insure your cat while it’s still a kitten and before it’s developed any pre-existing conditions.
- Routine check-ups and vaccinations – although unexpected and emergency trips to the vet are likely to be covered.
- Dental treatment – some insurance providers will cover this for an additional cost.
Check the policy details to see exactly what is and isn't covered by that insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions
Are pedigree cats more expensive?
They’re certainly more expensive to buy. The average cost of a moggie ranges from £50 to £150, but sometimes they’re given away for free to good homes. But you’ll pay anything from £200 to £2,000 for a pedigree, depending on the breed, whether the breeder is registered with one of the pedigree governing bodies, like the GCCF, and the cat itself – certain colours may attract higher prices, for example.
Pedigree cats may also be more expensive to insure, because unfortunately they can be prone to certain medical conditions.
Are pedigree and purebred cats the same thing?
The terms are often used as if they mean the same thing, but technically, they’re different. A purebred cat is one whose parents were both of the same breed. A pedigree cat is one whose parents were of the same breed and whose breeding history is recorded – in other words, they’ve got documents showing their family tree. The proof of a pedigree is a certificate from one of the pedigree governing bodies.
What’s the difference between a moggie and a crossbreed?
A moggie – or mixed breed – is a cat that isn’t of any particular breed. They come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments. They tend to be tough and can have a long lifespan – around 15 years or even more.
When it comes to cats, moggie and crossbreed are generally considered to mean the same thing. Unlike dogs, there aren’t many cat varieties, like labradoodles, that were created by combining two different breeds. Exceptions include Tonkinese – a cross between a Burmese and a Siamese, and the Ocicat, a cross between a Siamese and an Abyssinian.
However, when you buy pet insurance it’s important to check what the provider considers to be a pedigree, crossbreed or mixed breed, as this can vary.
What should I look for when buying a pedigree cat?
- Do your research to find out which breed would suit you and your lifestyle.
- Buy through a breeder registered with one of the breed governing bodies.
- Check that the breeder uses health-screening schemes for that particular breed, for example, screening for hypokalaemia in Burmese and Asian cats.
- Make sure you see the cat with its mother and the rest of the litter.
- The breeder should give you details of any vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and advice on feeding. They should also give you your kitten’s family tree and registration certificate.
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