Is Insurance Worth It for Indoor Cats? The 'Safe' Myth

“He never goes outside. He just sleeps on the sofa. Why does he need insurance?”

As a vet, I hear this daily. And I get it. We associate “danger” with cars, dog fights, and ticks—all outdoor risks.

But for indoor cats, the danger doesn’t come from where they are. It comes from what they are.

🏠 The Indoor Risk Profile

Indoor cats aren’t getting hit by cars. They are getting:

1. Blockages: Swallowing hair ties, earplugs, or toxic plants (Lilies). Surgery: $3,000.
2. Chronic Illness: Being sedentary increases risks of Diabetes and Urinary Blockages (FLUTD).
3. Genetic Time Bombs: Polycystic Kidney Disease (Persians) or Heart Disease (Main Coons).

💰 The Math: $30/mo vs $10,000

Cat insurance is cheap. For a 3-year-old mixed breed (Moggy), you might pay $28/month.

• Yearly Cost: $336.
• One ER Visit for a Blocked Urethra: $3,500.

It would take you 10 years of premiums to pay for that one emergency. And male cats block frequently.

🛡️ Best Plans for Indoor Cats

Since accidents are rarer, focus on Illness Coverage:

• Lemonade: Cheapest for indoor cats (often ~$15/mo).
• Spot: Good for micro-customizing limits.

Verdict

If you can easily pay a $4,000 vet bill today, self-insure. If that bill would force you to choose between debt and euthanasia, get the insurance. It’s the price of two coffees a month.

Related Articles

• Cat Kidney Disease Costs
• Best Insurance for Senior Cats