Cat insurance by the numbers
| Measure (U.S., 2025) | Cats |
|---|---|
| Cats owned | About 76.3 million |
| Share insured | 2.29% |
| Insured cats | About 1.75 million |
| Average annual premium, accident only | $112 |
| Average annual premium, accident and illness | $435 |
| Average annual premium, embedded wellness | $859 |
A fast-growing market
Cats are still insured much less often than dogs, but the gap is narrowing. Cats made up 25.1% of insured pets in the United States in 2025, up from 18.3% in 2021, and the number of insured cats grew 16.3% in 2025 compared with 6.8% for dogs, according to NAPHIA.
Common conditions in cat claims
Among the most common conditions in NAPHIA members' 2025 cat claims are gastrointestinal problems, dental disease, urinary tract infections, anxiety or behavioral and neurological conditions, and respiratory problems. Kidney disease and endocrine conditions such as hyperthyroidism also appear on the list. The largest single cat claim paid by NAPHIA members in 2025 was $51,600, for cancer in a four-year-old cat.
What to think about for your cat
- Indoor or outdoor: cats that live indoors generally face fewer accident risks, which is one reason some owners look at accident-only plans. Because many common cat claims are illnesses, compare both plan types. See accident-only vs accident and illness.
- Dental coverage: dental disease is among the most common cat conditions, so check what the policy covers and what it excludes.
- Age and history: conditions that appear before coverage begins may be treated as pre-existing. See waiting periods and pre-existing conditions.
Questions to ask every insurer
- Is the deductible annual, per condition or per incident?
- What are the reimbursement rate and the annual limit?
- How is dental illness treated compared with routine dental care?
- How does the policy define a pre-existing condition?
- Does the premium rise with age, and by how much in the past?
Frequently asked questions
How much does cat insurance cost?
An accident-and-illness plan for a cat averaged $435 a year in the United States in 2025, and an accident-only plan $112, according to NAPHIA. Your quote depends on breed, age, location and the settings you choose.
What percentage of cats are insured?
About 2.29% of U.S. cats were insured at the end of 2025, according to NAPHIA.
Do indoor cats need insurance?
Indoor cats face fewer accident risks, but illnesses such as urinary tract, dental and kidney conditions appear in claims data. Whether insurance is worth it depends on how well you could absorb a large bill.
Is cat insurance cheaper than dog insurance?
On average, yes. In 2025 the average accident-and-illness premium was $435 for a cat and $836 for a dog.
Sources
Figures and statements on this page were checked against the following sources on 20 September 2026. Prices, rules and policies change, so always confirm details in the policy documents and with your state department of insurance.