Idaho (ID) Cat Insurance FAQs

What is cat insurance and why do I need it in Idaho?

Just as you likely have medical insurance to help manage healthcare costs, you can purchase insurance for your cat as well. A cat insurance policy keeps your finances in check and keeps your cat healthy.

Idaho does not always have the most affordable vet care costs; that is why insurance is highly beneficial. You don’t want to deal with a financial headache every time your cat needs to visit the vet. Insurance enables you to pay for treatment without being attached to a skyrocketing price tag.

How old does my kitten need to be for insurance?

It is required by most insurance providers that your kitten be at least 8 weeks old before you apply. There is no upper age limit, so you can still obtain insurance if you have an older cat or even a senior cat. However, the best time to insure your cat is before they reach their first birthday. We’ll explore why below.

Does cat insurance exclude anything?

Yes, cat insurance does exclude certain illnesses, particularly anything that is considered a “pre-existing condition” (e.g., arthritis, cancer, diabetes, etc.). This is why we recommend insuring your kitten earlier in life, because younger cats are far less likely to have developed pre-existing conditions.

On the other hand, there is a lot that cat insurance does cover. Unless your specific policy has an exclusion, it should cover any unpreventable and sudden emergencies. (E.g., getting injured by traffic, infection resulting from eating rotten food, etc.)

More good news is that many insurance providers actually offer packages that include more cost-savings, like yearly shots and check-ups, and even spay/neuter.

Will I be reimbursed?

Yes, most insurance policies will reimburse you to a certain extent. Let’s look at this example:

You chose a $300 annual deductible and an 80% reimbursement percentage:

• You have a vet bill for $700, but you need to meet your deductible amount.
• $700 – your $300 annual deductible = $400.
• You’re reimbursed 80% of $400, totaling $320.

As we stated above, most insurance companies work similarly, but there is an exception. Trupanion pays vets in their network directly. You will not have to pay completely out of your own pocket first.

What’s the best deductible?

A lower deductible equals higher monthly payments. This means that you will owe higher payments each month, but owe less in the event of an expensive vet visit.

A higher deductible equals lower monthly payments. This means that you will owe less each month, but owe more at the vet’s office.

We’ve seen that most consumers either choose a $250 or $500 deductible. There’s really no such thing as “best.” It depends on how much you’re willing to spend and when. Regardless, you’ll have to pay—either in the form of larger monthly payments or a larger vet bill.

Is cat insurance actually worth it?

The short answer is yes! Life is unpredictable. Even if your cat seems healthy as can be, things can take a turn for the worst at any second. Insurance is valuable because it allows you to seek treatment for your furry family member without too many financial worries. As I stated earlier, Idaho vet care is not always the most affordable; insurance can help mitigate costs allowing you to provide the best care for your feline companion.

Does Idaho have breed restrictions on any cats?

For the most part, no. Usually, it’s certain dog breeds that face restrictions. However, you may run into restrictions if you own a big cat (tiger, lion, leopard, etc.). Obviously, most of us do not keep lions as pets, so you are probably okay as long as you have a more typical cat breed.

Regardless, it’s important to get the most up-to-date information from your home insurance provider.

5 Idaho Safety and Health Tips for Cats

1. Watch Their Weight

As many as half of domestic cats are overweight, and Idaho cats are no exception! You can ensure your cat stays at a healthy weight by practicing the following:

• Control calories: If your cat is overweight, one of the quickest ways for weight loss is to limit calorie intake. Please consult your vet to find the right diet for your kitty.
• Play more and move more: regularly introduce new toys and games into your cat’s daily routine. Not only will your cat get more exercise, but this will also help strengthen your bond.
• Cultivate a fun and welcoming environment: Cats are quirky little creatures. They often love empty boxes, paper towel tubes, and other makeshift hideouts.
• Vertical spaces make cats feel safe: If you don’t have many hard-to-reach places for your cat to spend time in, you may want to add a cat post for your kitty to escape to.

2. Avoid Poisonous Plants

Cats are naturally curious and they have an amazing sense of smell. Combine these two things and you’ve got a recipe for (potential) disaster. No need to fear, however, as long as you know what Idaho plants to keep your cat away from:

• Boxwood
• Chamomile
• Chokecherry
• Chives
• Lavender
• Lilies
• Poinsettia
• Rhubarb
• Tulip

Visit the ASPCA website here for a more extensive list of plants to avoid.

3. Stay Warm in the Winter

Although Idaho is known for experiencing all four seasons, winter can be especially harsh. A bit of cold can’t keep an outdoor cat away, but you should still ensure your feline’s safety:

• Check weather conditions: Check for inclement weather before allowing your cat outside. If it’s below freezing or excessively snowy or rainy, you should keep your cat indoors. 
• Check your kitty’s paws: If your cat’s been playing in the snow, wipe their feet, legs, and stomach after they come back in the house. Snowmelt can burn your pet’s paws.

Bonus—you’ll also stop them from tracking yucky muck through the house!

4. Stay Cool in the Summer

Idaho summers don’t usually get too unbearably hot, but it’s important to practice safety nevertheless. You never know when the weather will take a turn for the extreme.

• Make sure your cat always has access to cold, clean water and shade outside.
• Consider keeping your cat indoors if it’s too hot outside. Remember, cats have fur, and you don’t. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion in cats:
  • Rapid breathing, racing pulse
  • Red tongue and mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Stumbling
  • Seizures
  • Coma

5. Spay or Neuter is the Way

Idaho is a largely rural state with a lot of farmland and open country, meaning it’s home to countless feral cats and opportunities for your domestic feline to find trouble. To keep your cat safe and healthy, getting them spayed or neutered is one of the best things you can do.

Although there are few things cuter than a litter of kittens, your own cat’s health should be your priority. Here are just some of the reasons you should get your feline fixed:

• Un-altered male cats fight, putting themselves at risk of transmitting diseases through bites and scratches. 
• Female cats can become pregnant as early as four months old. Mating and birthing multiple litters of kittens can be incredibly stressful.
• There are thousands of cats in shelters looking for forever homes. No need to add to the population.

Conclusion

Obtaining insurance for your cat doesn’t have to be hard. Just keep in mind that the best time is before your kitten turns one year old, and the second-best time is today! The sooner you do it, the better rates you’ll find, plus precious peace of mind.

Ready to get started? After countless hours of research, we’ve found that Pumpkin pet insurance consistently performs the best with the lowest monthly premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Idaho (ID) Cats

We ranked the best pet insurance policies for Idaho (ID) Cats based on a variety of important factors including the following:

• Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Idaho (ID) Cat with a $500 deductible located in the 83712 zip code (Please note: prices will vary greatly based on your location)
• Coverage and benefits
• Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual benefit amount
• Technology and user experience
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews

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