Feline health trends revealed through insurance claims

With a recent study revealing cat ownership is on the rise,¹ Trupanion aimed to shed light on some common concerns these new cat owners may face.² There has been an increase in cat ownership in the past 5 years and, in 2023, 24% of United States households owned at least 1 cat. Of that 24% of households nationwide, half of them own more than 1 cat.¹ The number of insured pets has also increased over the past 5 years.³

According to Trupanion data, dogs make 82% more unexpected veterinary visits compared to cats. Trupanion consulted with veterinarian and Trupanion general manager, Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1), M Infotech, CVA, ACVCHM, for his 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.”²

After evaluating over 20 years of data, Trupanion has determined the most common claims for feline patients²:

1. Renal failure
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea
4. Diabetes mellitus
5. Hyperthyroidism
6. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
7. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
8. Lymphoma
9. Mass lesion
10. Gastroenteritis

With these claims, Trupanion has also revealed that the average veterinary invoice for lymphoma cases estimates at $600, the average invoice for vomiting approximates at $450, and the average invoice for a mass lesion approximates $400.²

These are all conditions and diseases that Trupanion encourages new and long-time cat owners to be aware of. Some of these concerns can be prevented with routine exams and others can be managed effectively with appropriate veterinary care. Pet insurance can help owners cover the cost of these conditions and should be communicated at veterinary visits to guide clients with this financial decision.

References

1. Packaged Facts, “Pet Population & Ownership Trends in the US, 7th Edition.” MRI-Simmons. January 2024. Accessed May 24, 2024. https://www.marketresearch.com/Packaged-Facts-v768/Pet-Population-Ownership-Trends-Edition-35936759/
2. truInsights: Trupanion data reveals trends in feline health. News release. Trupanion. May 23, 2024. Accessed May 24, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240523081903/en/truInsights-Trupanion-Data-Reveals-Trends-in-Feline-Health
3. State of the industry report. North American Pet Health Insurance Association. May 3, 2023. Accessed May 24, 2024. https://naphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NAPHIA-SOI2023-Report-Highlights_Public-May9.pdf