In the U.S., there are 16 million more pet cats than pet dogs, according to the Humane Society of the United States. While 39% of households have dogs and only 33% of households have cats, most cat owners have two or more cats while most dog owners have just one dog. Less than 1% of all all cats and dogs in the US have pet insurance.
Cats are popular pets for many reasons. For many, it’s their ease of care. Their independence means owners needn’t worry when away from home. Most cats are just as content with company as without most of the day. As long as they have all the necessary cat essentials within paw’s reach, cats are mostly self sufficient. More and more cat owners are also starting to see the benefit of pet health insurance for their cats-- and with pet health insurance cat owners can ensure their cats are in best possible health they can be in.
Attention and Affection
May 30 is Hug Your Cat Day, but that doesn't mean you should refrain any other day of the year. While many cats are independent, many are not, and almost all cats love affection sometimes. Like a child, any pet can become destructive out of boredom if not paid attention and shown appreciation.
Toys, Toys, Toys
Cats have a deep-seeded desire to hunt, which equals play and exercise inside the home. According to a publication by the University of Maine, “Even when fed regularly by people, a cat’s urge to hunt remains strong.” Cats instinctively chase almost anything that moves, be it a real or play mouse, a fly, or their owner's shoestrings and feather dusters. While almost anything can be used as a cat toy, from a sock to an empty paper towel roll, pet safety should always be of concern. Like dogs, cats often ingest things they are attracted to, and this can lead to an emergency vet visit or worse.
Proper Pet Health Care
The fact that cats have an easy-care reputation doesn’t mean they are a “get it and forget it” pet. Annual vet visits and pet health insurance can help with the plethora of health concerns that can arise for cats, from spaying and neutering, to that emergency visit for an ingested piece of string, to potential issues like diabetes or periodontal disease. Pet insurance cost is also at its lowest if attained early in the cat’s life.
Perches and Scratching Posts
Cats love to scratch; it’s another instinctive and natural behavior. According to a video by the veterinary experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, cats scratch to mark their territory, groom their claws, and to stretch and build their muscles. Declawing is an elective surgery that is not covered by pet plan insurance, and diverting scratching to posts is a more humane and cost-effective solution. Scratching posts that are also perches—cat trees and condos—offer exercise and a place where cats can climb to and feel safe.