Cat Care on a Budget

[Gladys]

I'm looking to find the best way to look after my cat's health at the lowest cost.

Right now, she doesn't have pet insurance, nor is she registered with a vet (and before cat owners begin to get worried for my cat, I should say that the cat has never gone without meals and eats before I do. I think the local supermarket thinks I eat cat food; it's what I mostly buy from them!)

Back to the cat care though. It is my biggest worry. A pet owner without pet insurance is a bad owner, in my book.

My question is where do I find the cheapest insurance for my cat.

If that's not cheap enough, what services can I expect from the RSPCA?

Thanks in advance.

[jarvsam]

Pet insurance is an expensive business for the person who is picking it. But as i work in a veterinary practices we do always recomend pet plan. Yes i know they are quite expensive but unlike other insurers they will cover for more illnesess and for your more mature pet.

[jarvsam]

Oooh or you could open a saving account and put an amount of money that you can afford in every month.

[Velvet]

Homebase is quite cheap, i picked their leaflet up about few weeks ago

[lynz85]

insurance company's require the info that your cat has had her original vaccines and most of them require you to get her yearly boosters and dental checks. was your cat a stray? you would need to have this done if she hasnt or else your claim may be rejected if they find out your cat hasnt. i would defo register her with a vet tho, it doesnt cost anything to register. if you are on a low income or benefits you could apply for pdsa aid.

[Kim]

My cats are insured with More Than and I find them to be as good as Petplan. They were with PP until the prices rocketed so much I just couldnt justify the expense! However, I think that as long as you have some money put aside for unexpected vet costs, then pet insurance isn't necessarily a necessity.

[angieh]

Both Kizzy and Pip are with Pet Plan. I've just had a pay out for when Pip was hospitalised over Easter with a urinary blockage. He was in the hospital from Good Friday until the following Tuesday, so 4 nights. I was glad he was insured.

Monty is with a new company called Vet Sure, recommended by my vet who used to recommend Pet Plan. Not sure why they changed their recommendation ..... ?

As Kim says, if you are able to put away a sum each month that's fine unless of course you have to claim before you've built up a cushion.

[Phoenix]

We're with argos (about £4 a month for Dylan currently). Compare that with several thousands of pounds if your cat has an accident or gets sick, you'll need to register her with a vet as well - vets don't charge for you to register with them.

[Gladys]

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Yes, luckily enough, I do have some money put aside. I do like to be careful with it, and like all of you, if my cat got ill, I'd have no hesitation in taking her to a vet.

However, as mentioned, one off payments for vet fees are very costly. I would probably be safer using pet insurance.

I've been looking at some pet insurance companies, and so far the lowest monthly rate is £11.78 (I think it is quite a high price because I live in a city area). However, I don't intend to pay more than is necessary. Next thing I'll do is have a look at More Than (thanks Kim).

[Phoenix]

Have you looked at this site Gladys?
http://www.gocompare.com/pet-insurance/