truInsights: Trupanion Data Reveals Trends in Feline Health
May 23 2024 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
truInsights is a data focused initiative
introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable
health-related data and insights to pet owners.
With the onset of kitten season upon us in North America, many
young cats will find their way into our households. As responsible,
loving pet parents seek guidance on caring for these new
companions, Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), the leading provider of
medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers insights into feline
health derived from over 20 years of their pet health data.
Cat Ownership on the Rise
Trupanion offers these insights at a time of rising prominence
of cats within our households. According to recent studies1, the
number of cats in North American households has been on the rise
over the past 5 years, with 24% of U.S. households owning cats in
2023. Additionally, the number of households with two or more cats
has also increased over that same timeframe, reaching nearly 50% of
cat-owning households.
With the rise in cat ownership, more pet owners are turning to
pet medical insurance to ensure they don’t have to make tough
financial decisions. The 2023 NAPHIA State of the Industry report
noted that the number of insured cats in the U.S. and Canada
totaled over 1.3 million in 2023, up from less than half a million
in 2019, steadily gaining share of the total insured pet population
since 2018.
Trends in Feline Veterinary Visits
According to Trupanion data, dogs make 82% more unexpected
visits to the vet than cats. Trupanion consulted with veterinarian
and Trupanion General Manager, Stephen Rose, BVSc (Hons1) M
Infotech CVA ACVCHM, for his insights on this trend.
“As Trupanion data highlights, cats are less likely to visit the
veterinarian than their canine counterparts. While there are a
multitude of reasons cats may be less likely than dogs to visit the
veterinarian, one such reason is that cats tend to hide their pain
and discomfort, which can mask signs of illness. This makes regular
veterinary visits important for cats to ensure they receive the
necessary care and health checks they might not show they
need.”
While routine veterinary visits are not something that is
typically covered by traditional pet insurance, these visits can
help identify illnesses that would be otherwise covered.
Common Claims for Cats:
Despite their reputation for independence, cats are not immune
to health issues. Our data highlights some of the most common
claims made by cat owners, including dental problems, urinary tract
issues, and digestive disorders. While the average cost of treating
these conditions varies, it underscores the importance of being
prepared for unexpected veterinary expenses.
The most common claims for cats are as follows:
- Renal failure
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hyperthyroidism
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Lymphoma
- Mass Lesion
- Gastroenteritis
According to Trupanion data, the average veterinary invoice for
Lymphoma approximates $600, the average invoice for vomiting
approximates $450 and the average invoice for a mass lesion
approximates $400.
Fun Cat Facts
- The most common cat names for Trupanion insured cats are Luna,
Oliver, and Leo
- Highest cat populations for Trupanion members are in Ontario,
Canada and California, USA
- In 2024, 35% of cat owners using Trupanion have 2 or more cats
insured
- In 2023, the most popular cat breed was Ragdoll with the Maine
Coon following in second place. So far in 2024, Maine Coon is the
most popular and Ragdoll is in second place.
- Our record highest single invoice Trupanion has paid for a cat
was in 2017 and totaled over $53,000 for the treatment of
Peritonitis.
Conclusion:
As cat ownership continues to rise, it's important to prioritize
the health and wellbeing of our feline friends. By staying informed
about common health issues, being financially prepared for
veterinary care, and scheduling regular check-ups, we can provide
our cats with the care they deserve.
About Trupanion
Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs
throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico and
Australia with over 1,000,000 pets enrolled. For over two decades,
Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on
their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed
to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet medical
insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With
its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider
with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the
time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol
"TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in
Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States,
by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company
and, in Canada, by Accelerant. Trupanion Australia is a partnership
between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more
information, please visit trupanion.com.
1 Packaged Facts, “Pet Population & Ownership Trends in the
U.S., 7th Edition.” As of the Fall 2023 data release, based on
MRI-Simmons data.
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Media: Trupanion Corporate Communications
Corporate.communications@trupanion.com
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