Cats and Dogs

Cats & Dogs

Cats and dogs are by far the nations' best loved pets, and it is estimated that over 9 million cats and 7 million dogs are currently living in UK homes. As such, vets often spend much of their time treating and caring for these pets, sometimes treating cats and dogs for problems and ailments that can be treated at home, or avoided entirely. Even though they are both prone to getting themselves into scrapes, there are a number of things you do to boost their health and minimise the number of visits to the local surgery.

Cats

By their nature, cats are inquisitive and territorial creatures who like to investigate and continuously patrol their surroundings. They generally exercise, groom and clean themselves, and are relatively low maintenance pets. Because of their explorative nature, they often get themselves into scrapes, particularly if they encroach on another cat's turf. Cat fights are often how illnesses such as infectious enteritis and feline influenza are transmitted, through scratch and bite wounds.

Neutering or fully castrating male cats will reduce their tendency to mark their territory by spraying and will also limit the spread of diseases and unwanted litters. Spaying female cats also limits the risk of infection and eliminates the chance of any unwanted kittens.

Cats also tend to pick up a number or parasites such as ticks, fleas and worms as a result of hunting. As it is in their nature to catch, kill and eat part or all of their prey, cat owners can do little to stop this, but regular worming and treatment for fleas should stop your cat from bringing anything more than the catch of the day into the house.

Cat's dietary needs are generally well catered for by the types of packaged food available – they prefer soft meat that comes in either jelly or gravy, and not hard foods particularly. Dry biscuits should be served as an accompaniment with a meal and not as a replacement. Milk from cows is also generally not best suited for cat consumption, but milk products for cats are also readily available from supermarkets.

Dogs

Dogs are loyal and faithful pets who can provide many years of companionship and support. They are attentive and playful, but also require plenty of obedience training and discipline if you are to get the most out of them. Dogs will need to be walked regularly for exercise and also as part of their training – they will be curious and frightened by new things such as cars, bikes, people and other dogs the first time you take them out.

Dogs are fond of chewing and eating pretty much anything they think they can get into their mouths, with little regard of whether its digestible or not; the old schoolboy excuse of 'the dog ate it' actually rings true. This means that dogs quite often develop stomach problems in their later years if their diets are not carefully regulated.

Owners can serve up quite a varied diet for dogs, as they are capable of digesting vegetables and fresh fruit as well as raw and prepared meat. Raw pork should never be given to dogs, and eating raw mutton and rabbit meat may also lead to tapeworm infestation. Cod liver oil can help your dog retain a glossy coat and also helps to keep joints flexible. A mixture of fresh and prepared food in tins should be fine, although you should always consult your vet if you are in doubt. Dogs can also pick up grass ticks from long walks outdoors – keep an eye out for these.

As with cats, dogs should be spayed or neutered to prevent any unwanted litters of puppies and also to curb aggressive behaviour in some male dogs. Unneutered female dogs can also develop conditions later in life such as pyometra and mammary tumours.

What's Not Covered?

The exact details of what your Pet Insurance policy covers will naturally vary from product to product, but in general most pet insurance policies will exclude the following:

• Routine care for your pet; this includes such things as grooming, flea control, teeth cleaning, claw trimming and standard veterinary examinations and check-ups.

• Vaccinations - these are considered to be optional for insurance purposes, and so will not usually be included in your cover, no matter how important they are to your pet's health.

• Bills under the excess amount. With most policies, you have to pay a certain amount towards any treatment, and any bills for less than this amount can't be claimed back on your insurance.

• Existing conditions - if your pet already had a known condition when you took out the policy, you won't be able to claim for any expenses arising from it.

• Long term treatments. This is one area that can vary quite widely. With some policies, only the first twelve months of any condition can be claimed for, meaning lifelong treatment for a condition such as arthritis may not be covered.

These exclusions are of course only a guide, and you should read the small print of your policy before signing on the dotted line. And, as with all kinds of insurance, it's best to assume that unless something is specifically included, it's probably excluded.

Related Frequent Questions:

• Guide to Pet Insurance
• What's Not Covered?
• Your Pet's Age
• Creepy Crawlies - Fleas Ticks and Worms