How To Choose Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is an important cost to consider for the safety of your pets and your wallet. Luckily, my cats have been low maintenance over the years and only really required the basic yearly visit. However, anyone with pets knows even the healthiest critter can get themselves in trouble with their own shenanigans. Unfortunately for us, on top of all that worry, the vet bill can end up costing thousands. For example, years ago my parents had a new bulldog puppy who managed to eat the popsicle and stick in one gulp. A few thousand dollars later for emergency surgery she was fine. However, most of us don’t have extra money set aside for catastrophes. This is where pet insurance may be the best choice. Cat owners may scoff at the idea of pet insurance, as surely everyone knows dogs cause more trouble. However, cats actually make up approximately 20% of animals covered by pet insurance. Policies can start at $15 a month, which can pay for itself if an emergency arises. After doing some research, I actually found that pet insurance is pretty simple and straightforward. Which is great news, since no one needs more complicated policies with health, homeowners or auto insurance already on everyones’ radar. Here are a few main touch points for you to know about pet insurance: What does pet insurance cover?
Who accepts pet insurance?Any licensed veterinarian can accept pet insurance. This is much nicer than human health insurance and worrying about in or out of network. With pet insurance, you pay the bill upfront, take the paperwork and submit it for reimbursement. How simple is that? Can I adjust my policy?As with any insurance, you can add a ‘rider’ for a special condition or treatment, such as physical therapy. Think of it as planning ahead. When should I get pet insurance?Same as humans, the younger you start the policy and continue it, the less it will cost. A new policy for a 10-year-old cat may be super pricey. Some policies may also come with an age limitation on a new policy for older animals. Does pet insurance have fees?As with human health insurance, there will be decutibles and copays. Deductibles typically begin at $10. There may also be annual caps on policies. Can I get pet insurance through my job?Some employers do have pet insurance available! So be sure to ask your insurance representative or HR rep what your employer offers. For more information about pet insurance, take a look at this easy guide from Money.com. If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your cat or dog, research several policies to find one that works best for you, your pet and your budget. A little monthly bill may end up saving you lots of money, so consider pet insurance for 2021. Happy holidays everyone! Feline Dental Care Download
Cats are similar to humans and need a basic dental visit at least once a year for their annual checkup. Dental care may not be at the top of your list, but having lost my beautiful Guenivere years ago to oral cancer from poor dental care, I am now very much aware of dental care for cats. Being aware of issues regarding their teeth and mouth could save their lives! So, let’s learn about feline dental care? What’s in a Cat’s Mouth? Adult cats have 30 teeth used to bite and to tear into all sorts of things. What they don’t have is a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean themselves up with morning and night. They rely on us to handle the basics. Dental issues can start quickly and rapidly progress. According to the Cornell University Feline Health Center, more than 50% of cats over age 4 have serious dental issues. In order to prevent these issues, it’s important to keep an eye on any discomfort your cat may be exhibiting. How to Tell if Something is Wrong So, how do you know if your cat has tooth pain? These symptoms can help you tell when there might be something wrong with your cat’s dental hygiene:
Now, cats are notorious for bad breath anyway but since they don’t brush, they get a pass on that! However, a difference or change in bad breath is a strong warning sign of something amiss. To avoid dental issues, basic care is required. How to Prevent Dental Issues In Your Cat Start with the basics! A yearly veterinarian check-up for your cat is necessary to look at teeth and discuss any problems. Almost any veterinarian is capable of basic teeth exams and cleaning. This can entail a set of X-rays, plaque removal and extraction of any diseased teeth. The main difference between human dental care and cat care is that cats must be sedated under general anesthesia for the procedure, which can be a little costly. Cats can have the same or very similar dental problems that humans have. Periodontal disease, gingivitis, and a cavity-like condition called tooth erosion. But, regular care can prevent these issues from the start. After losing Guinevere to oral cancer, I was extra vigilant when I first got Maddie. I spoke to my vet at her first check up on what to do. He advised that prevention is key and starting a kitten with good dental care is the best foundation. He also suggested brushing the kitten’s teeth! There are brushes that slip over the tip of your finger and use them to gently rub along the teeth and gum line. You can even get flavored toothpaste for cats to train them not to hate the experience! Starting young is key here, too. Another easy treatment is dental cat food. This one worked great for Maddie. She ate that food for over 10 years and her teeth sparkled! Dental cat foods have different sized and textured kibble that ‘clean’ the teeth as they eat it while stimulating gums and removing residue. If you aren’t keen on a full dental diet, there are some new brands of treats or snacks available now. Speaking to your vet and asking for recommendations is always the best thing. As for wet food, there is no hard evidence that wet food is linked to dental issues. There may be some advantages to dry food vs wet food for teeth but nothing definitive. Helping keep your cat’s fangs nice and shiny and clean is an easy way to help them live longer and healthier. Healthy teeth and gums are as important to them as us, so be proactive and take care of their teeth so they can keep on cuddling with you for many years to come. |
AuthorWhen Cari has some free time from all the kitties, she likes to share her knowledge of all things cat in this bi-monthly blog. Enjoy the read! Archives
September 2024
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