Cat & kitten insurance

There’s no denying your cat is one of the family – they rely on you for food, they’ve got their own spot on the sofa and you’ve probably even signed their name in a Christmas card or two. So naturally, you’ll want to do whatever it takes to look after them.

Cats are curious creatures – it’s what we love about them. They’re constantly exploring new places and meeting other furry friends, but sometimes their inquisitive nature can lead to accidents. We never know what life will bring, and that’s why cat insurance comes in handy. It takes care of unexpected costs and gives you peace of mind, so you can concentrate on caring for your kitty.

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Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc

Why do I need a cat insurance policy from M&S Bank?

At M&S Bank, we understand that no two pet owners (or cats) are the same. That’s why we offer plenty of choice in our cover options, so you can find the perfect plan for you and your feline. Our three levels of pet insurance for cats provide a safety net for unforeseen emergencies and costs, such as:

  • Veterinary fees
  • Dental cover
  • Travel expenses
  • Death from injury or illness
  • Cover for advertising
  • Emergency boarding

Find out more about our essential, standard and premium pet cover options.

But what else makes M&S Bank’s cover a great pet insurance option for cats? The following benefits ensure you get excellent value for money and support:

  • Three levels of cover, helping you find a plan that suits you and your cat.
  • 15% discount on new policies when buying online (excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies). Prices rise at renewal†
  • 24 hour vetfone™ access. We know life isn’t perfect, and sometimes things can’t wait until the morning. That’s why, whatever the hour, there’s a qualified veterinary nurse ready to offer guidance at the end of this freephone helpline.
  • Pay monthly fees with no additional costs.
  • 5% multi-pet discount – perfect whether you have a kitten on the way or a houseful of cats.

Common claims Footnote 1*

Still wondering whether cat cover is worth the payout? Take a look at some of the most common cat insurance claims and their average cost Footnote 1*, to see where you could save money.

Hormonal
Average cost £885.22

There are a wide range of hormonal conditions that can affect cats – from diabetes to hyperthyroidism. It’s therefore necessary to look out for a number of symptoms, including abnormal faeces, vomiting, constipation and excessive eating or drinking.

Non-illness
Average cost £125.94

Claims not related to illness or injury can also add up. This could be anything from your cat causing an expensive breakage to helping you track down your pet if they go missing.

Urinary
Average cost £682.68

Urinary conditions, such as feline lower urinary tract disease, are very common and very treatable. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as excessive urination or drinking, blood in their urine, lethargy and signs of incontinence – for example, if a normally housetrained cat suddenly can’t make it to the litter tray.

Gastrointestinal
Average cost £683.69

From common complaints like gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease to rarer ones like megacolon, there are a wide range of tummy upsets that can affect cats. Look out for symptoms such as vomiting, changes in faeces or yellow-looking gums.

Traumas
Average cost £537.81

Trauma is a physical injury which could be caused by your cat getting in a scrap, falling, or being knocked over by a car. As well as being hurt, your cat could also experience shock as a result of trauma.

Growths/Tumours
Average cost £865.66

As with humans, some growths can be harmless and easily treated, but if a growth turned out to be cancerous, the costs could be in the thousands. If you notice any unusual growths, it's always best to check with your vet. If a growth changes shape or is irritating your cat, you should contact your vet as soon as possible.

Heart
Average cost £776.20

Serious heart conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be fatal, so early diagnosis is important. Symptoms are not always apparent in cats, so regular check-ups with your vet are a good idea, but warning signs include fainting, lethargy or any differences in breathing.

Oral
Average cost £486.35

Oral conditions like dental disease and gingivostomatitis are very common and can cause cats real discomfort. It can even prevent them from eating, so it’s important to get oral issues solved quickly.

Skin
Average cost £456.70

From allergic reactions caused by grooming products to patches of hair loss, skin conditions are common – and most are easy to spot. Look out for excessive scratching and biting, too.

Joints
Average cost £550.17

Conditions such as arthritis and degenerative joint disease can cause discomfort in the short term, and can even damage your cat’s cartilage. Catch joint problems early by looking out for symptoms such as difficulty rising, swelling or disinterest in exercise.

Footnote 1*[1][2] Based on the average annual cat claims cost to M&S Pet Insurance between July 2018 and June 2019.

†Excludes renewals and amendments to existing policies. Your price will increase at renewal, because as your pet gets older they are more likely to get ill. A claim being paid can also cause your renewal price to increase significantly. Your excess will increase when your pet turns 9.

Existing cat insurance customer
information

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Important documents

M&S Pet Insurance policy booklet

M&S Pet Insurance claim form

M&S Pet Insurance Premier product information document

M&S Pet Insurance Standard product information document

M&S Pet Insurance Essential product information document

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FAQs

How do I make a claim?

If you need to make a claim, you should call us as soon as possible on 0800 980 8750. Please have your policy number or claim number when you call.

Does M&S Pet Insurance cover my pet when abroad?

If you choose our premier policy you'll get cover up to £2,000 for vet fee treatment in any EU country that is included in the Pets Travel Scheme. You'll be covered for three trips in any period of insurance and each trip can last up to 60 days.

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Find out why getting insurance for your puppy or kitten is important

Keeping your cat healthy

Although you can’t plan for everything, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your cat as happy and healthy as possible:

Provide the basics. All cats have their daily needs (food, water, and a sunny spot to snooze in) but regular playtimes are also vital for keeping them healthy. If your furry friend is alone for a lot of the day, consider getting an interactive toy they can play with by themselves, such as a puzzle feeder or a cat tunnel.

Give them space. We all need a quiet place to relax sometimes, and your kitty is no different. Whether it’s a discarded cardboard box or a dedicated nook, they’ll love having somewhere to retreat for a nice, uninterrupted snooze.

Do home check-ups to keep your feline healthy and comfortable. Give their ears, claws, eyes and teeth a regular once-over to help spot any issues early – whether it’s a build-up of ear wax or crust around their eyes.

Check their litter tray. Clean it regularly and keep a look out for anything abnormal. Changes in odour, colour or the frequency of what they leave behind should be noted and reported to your vet.

Groom them. Some cats love it, some hate it, but brushing them removes loose hair (preventing fur balls) and keeps them looking their best.

Looking for a quote?

Getting a cat insurance quote is quick and easy; we only need a few details, and you can apply straightaway.

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If you’re an existing customer, find out how to renew, change your policy or make a claim.