How much does dog and cat insurance cost in North Carolina for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for North Carolina dog and cat insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Jackson, Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham, or Brewton etc. However, the prices will vary based on the age, health and breed of your pet.

All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Figo pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of January 2024 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in North Carolina we suggest getting a quote directly with Lemonade Pet Insurance or Figo.

Cat Insurance Prices in Phoenix North Carolina:

1. Mixed Breed – $14.45/ mo
2. American Shorthair – $17.08/ mo
3. Bengal – $17.08/ mo
4. Bombay – $17.08/ mo
5. British Shorthair – $17.08/ mo
6. Exotic – $17.08/ mo
7. Himalayan – $17.08/ mo
8. Maine Coon – $18.01/ mo
9. Persian – $18.01/ mo
10. Ragdoll – $18.01/ mo
11. Russian Blue – $17.08/ mo
12. Scottish Fold – $18.01/ mo
13. Siamese – $18.01/ mo
14. Sphynx – $17.18/ mo
15. Abyssinian – $17.18/ mo

Not finding your specific pet breed? Lemonade is our #1 recommendation for North Carolina and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.

North Carolina Pet Insurance FAQs

What is cat insurance? How is it helpful for North Carolina cats?

Protecting your cat to the fullest is best done by securing an insurance policy from your preferred provider and staying current on your monthly premiums. An active policy will cover most veterinary bills should your furry friend experience a sudden accident or illness. In such situations, many providers will expect you to pay the vet fees at the time of service and file a claim for reimbursement. Be aware that most insurers will not reimburse for care related to pre-existing conditions.

By insuring your cat while still a kitten, you will ensure they receive the most comprehensive coverage with the fewest exclusions possible. North Carolina cats are just as vulnerable to having veterinary emergencies as cats in other states, which is why getting insurance is a good idea.

At what age should I insure my cat?

Typically, the earliest you can insure a cat is 8 weeks. Most insurance companies have an age limit on when you can purchase a new policy for your cat, so it’s best to inquire with each provider you’re considering. However, once you insure your cat, most companies will cover them for the rest of their lives. It’s also worth mentioning that the younger your cat is when you get them a policy, the cheaper the premium and, often, the broader the coverage.

Is NC cat insurance worth it?

If the idea of racking up several thousands of dollars in emergency vet bills stresses you out and would inevitably put you in debt, then buying cat insurance is definitely worthwhile. And with North Carolina vet fees already being expensive and continuing to rise, having the right policy makes a lot of sense. That said, you must decide whether paying monthly premiums makes more sense for you financially than just taking care of potentially large vet bills on your own.

What can I expect a cat insurance policy to include and exclude?

In general, your cat insurance policy will cover unforeseen and catastrophic medical events that are not pre-existing conditions or resulting from neglect. Some examples are broken bones, urinary blockages, open wounds, eye infections, allergies and more. Also, dental work that is not the direct result of a medical emergency will not fall under coverage. Other exclusions are routine care, behavioral problems and elective procedures.

How do insurance companies calculate reimbursements?

Your insurer will calculate reimbursements based on the specifics of your policy. For example, let’s say your plan has a $250 deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate and a $15,000 maximum yearly benefit. If your cat requires a $5,000 operation, your insurer will reimburse you $4,500 minus your $250 deductible. This would leave you with a relatively small liability of $750 instead of the full $5,000. The upshot is that providers like Trupanion will pay their portion of the bill directly to the veterinarian as long as you take your cat to one within their network.

Should I choose a higher or lower deductible?

Whichever deductible you choose will depend on your finances and payment preferences since different deductibles appeal to different people for various reasons. For example, choose a lower deductible if you want higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs in emergencies. And if you prefer lower monthly premiums with a higher liability in emergencies, go for a higher deductible.

Our research shows that most North Carolina cat parents opt for either $250 or $500 deductibles. When figuring out which deductible works best for you, feel free to avail yourself of the quote calculators many providers offer on their websites.

Do homeowners insurance companies have restricted cat breeds?

While homeowners insurance providers have restricted dog breeds, they usually do not have any such cat breeds. But, of course, it’s always wise to check with your insurer to be sure.

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Cat Safe & Healthy in North Carolina

1. Keep your cat flea and tick-free

If you plan to let your cat go outside, it’s essential to treat them with flea and tick medication. Since flea collars often irritate or burn cats’ skin, you’ll want to get a spot-on treatment that will fend off both fleas and ticks. However, not all medications are created equal, so it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian. Depending on where you are in North Carolina, the tick season can be intense from early spring through autumn. Keeping your cat flea and tick-free is vital to their health, as these parasites can cause several diseases and ailments.

2. Put your cat on a high-quality diet

The old expression you are what you eat applies to animals too. The quality of your cat’s diet will impact their health. Foods packed with cheap fillers, no matter how expensive, can lead to serious health issues, such as kidney disease, liver failure, heart disease, cancer and more. These fillers include wheat, other grains, gums, soy, cheese and corn. Instead, stick with high-quality raw or canned cat foods high in protein since cats are obligate carnivores.

3. Help your cat stay hydrated

Staying well-hydrated is another pillar of good feline health, and there is plenty you can do to help them. Firstly, following the dietary advice mentioned above will increase your cat’s moisture intake. Secondly, mix a small spoonful of water into each meal. Thirdly, always leave a bowl of water for them that you wash and replace with fresh water regularly. Finally, if your cat won’t drink from a water bowl, a cat fountain might be your best bet.

4. Play with your cat daily

Playing with your cat every day will improve their mood and physical health. Cats need at least one to two play sessions every day, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes. Another benefit of play is that it strengthens your bond. Various toys, including balls, catnip toys, treat puzzles, feather wands and cat towers, will help keep your cat stimulated and engaged.

5. Prepare an emergency bag for your cat

North Carolina, especially the eastern half of the state, experiences its fair share of natural disasters. Being prepared means ensuring you have all you need to keep your kitty safe and healthy in such an event. You will need water, food, two cat bowls, a carrier whose door you can secure, and a thick, comfortable bed or sleeping cushion. You’ll also want to have pee pads on hand, any necessary medication, a harness and leash, a small litter box, litter and a scoop. Store the emergency bag and carrier in a place that makes them easy to access, so you can grab them at a moment’s notice and be ready to leave.

5 Unique Cat Rescue Shelters in North Carolina

1. Cat Angels Pet Adoptions in Cary, NC

Cat Angels Pet Adoptions is a no-kill shelter and rescue organization that helps homeless, abused and abandoned cats and kittens get the care they need, recover and find forever homes. All cats and kittens with Cat Angels are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, treated for fleas and tested for FeLV and FIV. Cat Angels also aids local rescue and TNR (trap-neuter-release) groups.

2. Cat Tails Cat Adoption Shelter in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Cat Tails takes in homeless and abandoned cats and kittens and those from kill shelters. They test all cats in their charge for feline heartworms, FeLV and FIV. They also spay or neuter and treat them for fleas and worms before being adopted.

3. Catman2 Shelter in Cullowhee, NC

Catman2 is a no-kill cat shelter founded in 1996 by Dr. Harold Sims and his wife, Kay, who continue to run it along with the shelter director, Kaleb. They house 30 to 50 cats at any given time, and all cats have play areas with toys, scratching pads, and various cat towers. They are free to roam the shelter, interact with one another and lounge on the fenced and screened-in porches. Before being ready for adoption, each cat is microchipped, spayed or neutered, tested for FeLV, treated for parasites and vaccinated for feline distemper and rabies.

4. Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in Fayetteville, NC

FAPS is the only nonprofit, no-kill shelter for cats and dogs in Cumberland County. They take pride in vetting all potential applicants who wish to become forever homes. You can expect that any cat you adopt will be up-to-date on their vaccines, treated for fleas and spayed or neutered. FAPS operates solely on grants and donations from the community and always welcomes help in the form of supplies, money or time.

5. Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue in Rutherfordton, NC

HFAR is a shelter for cats and dogs that aims to create a no-kill community throughout Rutherford county. All animals that come through HFAR’s doors are given whatever medical care they need, food, water and a safe place to live until they find their forever home. They also own the Rescued Treasures Thrift Store in Forest City and all profits go towards running the HFAR shelter.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the best North Carolina cat insurance plan for your cat or kitten is much easier than you may have thought. And the earlier in your furry pal’s life you get a policy, the better coverage you will get and a cheaper monthly premium. Nevertheless, insuring your cat anytime in their lives will help cover most emergency care costs and support their overall well-being. Throughout our research, my team and I have found that Lemonade offers the best coverage and service at the cheapest rates.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for North Carolina

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in North Carolina based on a variety of important factors including the following:

• Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in North Carolina with a 85050 zip code
• 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