Is pet insurance worth it for a Burmese?
Burmese cats are known for their robust health and long life expectancies. They are also known among Burmese cat owners as “ninja cats” because they can leap great distances and sometimes sneak up on you. If you have a Burmese cat, it is important to insure them against accidents. Here are some examples of common accidents that happen to Burmese cats:
Sticky tape – Burmese cats love playing with sticky tape; however, if they get it stuck on them, the adhesive can cause painful lesions and, in extreme cases, permanent loss of fur.
Pen caps – Especially from ballpoint pens, Pen caps pose a serious choking risk to Burmese cats. Make sure your pen caps are secure.
Falling into bathtubs – Burmese cats often fall into bathtubs. This can be a traumatic experience for both the cat and its owner.
If you have a Burmese cat, you must get pet insurance to protect against these common risks to their health and safety.
Common health conditions for a Burmese
Burmese cats are susceptible to several health issues. This is not unusual for purebred cats, but you should be aware of it if you are considering a Burmese kitten. The most common problems that affect this breed are listed below:
- Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that can cause sudden death in young or middle-aged adults.
- Swollen hocks syndrome (SHS) is a disease of the hind legs and feet, which causes swelling and lameness in young Burmese cats.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that can cause blindness in older Burmese cats. This disease is prevalent among Burmese cats in Australia and New Zealand but less familiar in North America and Europe.
- Renal amyloidosis is an inherited kidney condition caused by the same gene that causes the Siamese-like coat coloration of some Burmese cats.
What does pet insurance cover for a Burmese?
Pet insurance is an essential part of pet ownership. It protects you from the financial burden of any medical issues that may arise during your pet’s life. To get the most out of your policy, make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered:
- Accidents: Accidents include cuts, broken bones, poisonings, and car accidents. Accidents can happen at any time, so it’s worth making sure you’re covered.
- Illness: Common cat illnesses include infections, vomiting, diarrhea, cancer, and diabetes. While these are less likely to occur than accidents, they will be expensive if they do happen.
- Routine care: This includes checkups, vaccinations, and teeth cleaning. These procedures will help keep your cat healthy in the long run.
How are pet insurance premiums determined for a Burmese?
Burmese pet insurance premiums are based on several factors, including:
- Location: If you live in a major city, the chances of your pet being run over are much higher than if you live in a rural area. Pet insurance premiums increase if you live in a room with a higher risk of accidents or illnesses. Pet insurance companies also consider the average vet costs in your area when determining your premium rate.
- Age: The younger your pet, the less likely it is to have an accident or become ill. Insurers will often cap their coverage for older animals at a certain age level because the costs of veterinary care increase as the animal ages.
- Deductible: If you want to minimize your total premium cost, consider a higher deductible. Although you will pay more out of pocket when filing a claim, your annual premium will be lower.
- Gender: Male cats tend to be more expensive than female cats because they are more likely to develop urinary tract infections.
How to choose the best pet insurance plan for a Burmese
Whether you have a new kitten or are adding an adult cat to your family, you’ll want to ensure your feline friend is covered with pet insurance. While there are many options, pet insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. So here’s how to choose the best plan for your Burmese:
- Check out the company’s reputation: You’ll want to select a well-established pet insurance company that has a good reputation and is well-known in the industry. Check out their Better Business Bureau rating and read customer reviews. If they have lots of negative thoughts or no rating, consider a different provider.
- Consider your budget: Monthly premiums vary based on several factors, including the age and breed of your pet and whether optional coverage is included in your plan. The higher the deductible and co-pay you agree to, your premium will be lower.
- Consider pre-existing conditions: If your cat has an existing health problem, such as diabetes or arthritis, many pet insurance plans won’t cover it. However, some companies do offer plans that cover pre-existing conditions. You will pay more upfront for the policy, but it could save you thousands of dollars in the future.
- Define your needs: if your cat is very young and healthy with no history of illness, you may opt for a high deductible and low monthly premium policy. Pet owners who want coverage for routine vet visits may choose an insurance plan that covers annual shots and checkups at an additional cost. If you have an older cat or one with a history of medical problems, you might opt for more comprehensive coverage.