truInsights

Trupanion Data Reveals Trends in Feline Health

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. (Nasdaq: TRUP), the 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 5 years, with 24% 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% 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% 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 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.”

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.