Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives? The Truth About Feline Health and Why Pet Insurance Matters

Behind those slow blinks and twitching whiskers lies a powerful myth: cats have nine lives. It’s a comforting idea, but the truth is cats only get one—and they’re masters at hiding signs of illness from the untrained eye until problems become serious. That’s why proactive care and financial preparedness are essential for every cat parent.

Trupanion’s data shows that pet parents are almost twice as likely to file a claim for their dogs as they are for their cats. Yet, when cats do end up at the vet, the average claim is slightly higher than dogs. In other words: fewer trips, bigger surprises.

Let’s take a look at the real health risks that cats face, costs, and prevention strategies that can keep your cat’s one precious life safe.

Why cats go to the vet less often

Cats are skilled at hiding signs of illness or discomfort. As veterinary neurologist Dr. Carrie Jurney explains:

“When cats are sick or in pain, they tend to hide it. A lot of times, by the time we realize cats are sick, they’re actually quite sick.”

That tendency means even devoted cat parents can miss warning signs. Trupanion data confirms the pattern: On average, dogs are 190% more likely than cats to have a claim, but by the time cats are seen, bills can be steeper—potentially indicating their conditions have advanced.

Regular check-ups and preventative care are critical—not just for outdoor cats, but for indoor ones too. Illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, or arthritis often creep up silently, growing more serious and costly before they’re even detected.

Lilly – Member since 2018

“Recently Lilly has experienced some pain in her paw due to fluid in her joint, which required her paw to be bandaged up for four weeks. The staff at Trupanion made the claim process so easy and stress-free! They were very kind and helpful, so I can focus on Lilly's recovery. Thank you, Trupanion!”

Common cat health conditions you should know about

Kidney disease and diabetes

Cats’ naturally low thirst drive makes them prone to dehydration, which is of particular concern since dehydration can worsen common conditions found in cats like kidney disease and diabetes.

• Renal failure: Average claim $365; highest claim ever paid $31,753
• Diabetes mellitus: Average claim $373; highest claim ever paid $22,817

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), requiring long and expensive hospital stays. Early signs like drinking more water, peeing more, and unexplained weight loss should never be ignored.

Arthritis and pain management

Arthritis ranks among the top feline illnesses. Cats with chronic pain may simply appear “grumpy” or withdrawn, making them even more difficult to treat. Luckily, new treatments like once-monthly injections are making pain management for cats a lot easier than giving daily pills.

“Cats are hard to treat for pain because they hide it, and many standard medications don’t work well for them,” says Dr. Jurney. “But newer treatments are giving us better options.”

Behavior and anxiety issues

Cat parents often chalk up aggression or moodiness to “just cats being cats,” but shifts in personality may signal pain or anxiety. Trupanion data shows steady claims for medications like fluoxetine (Prozac). Environmental stress from other pets, neighborhood cats, or lack of safe, clean spaces can also trigger anxiety.

Urinary issues: FLUTD and beyond

Unexpected accidents around the house, sometimes known as “revenge peeing” is often not revenge at all—it may be feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a stress-linked condition that can escalate to dangerous urinary blockages.

• FLUTD: Average claim $1,996; highest claim ever paid $15,624

Switching to wet food and increasing water intake can reduce risks, but early vet intervention is key.

Cancer, seizures, and neurological issues

While less common than other conditions, cats can get cancers like lymphoma and neurological issues such as epilepsy or seizures.

• Seizures: Average claim $3,697; highest claim ever paid $18,202
• Lymphoma: Average claim $7,225; highest claim ever paid $48,194

Encouragingly, Dr. Jurney notes that many cats once thought to have brain tumors actually have treatable epilepsy—proof that knowledge and diagnostic testing matter.

Cat behaviors: cute or concerning?

Some quirks are harmless, while others can point to deeper problems.

• Hairballs: Occasional hairballs are normal, but frequent vomiting may signal inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or even lymphoma.
• Staring into space: Cats’ acute hearing explains many “ghost sightings,” but seizures can also present as twitching or odd staring.
• Milk obsession: Most cats are lactose intolerant. A little dairy may be fine, but too much can lead to gastroenteritis (average claim $1,447; highest claim ever paid $16,786).
• Grumpiness: A moody cat might just need alone time—or it might be in pain. Always consider a vet check if behavior changes suddenly.

End of story? Regular preventative care and consulting with your vet at the first sign of any changes or distress in your feline friend will help ensure that they live a happy and healthy life.

The true cost of cat care

Health issues can range from minor to financially overwhelming:

While average claim amounts may seem manageable, the reality is that as conditions worsen, so do the costs—with the highest costs running into the tens of thousands of dollars. Cat insurance empowers families to seek care without delay, helping them spot and treat issues early and avoid expensive treatments down the road.

Prevention: the key to a long, healthy life

Preventative care is one of the best ways you can protect your cat's health—and wallet.

• Regular vet visits: Catch hidden illnesses early.
• Environmental safety: Indoor-outdoor cats should wear breakaway collars for safety and bells to reduce harm to local wildlife, along with staying up to date on routine vaccines to protect their health.
• Hydration: Provide fountains and wet food to combat dehydration-linked illnesses.
• Behavior monitoring: If your cat suddenly changes habits, take it seriously and make an appointment with your vet.

“Preventative care is really the way to go,” Dr. Jurney emphasizes. “Physical exams and lab work let us find diseases earlier, and that always works better.”

Final thoughts: one life to protect

Cats may not truly have nine lives, but with the right care, they can live their one life to the fullest. Regular veterinary visits, attention to behavior changes, and cat insurance help ensure that when the unexpected happens, your cat has the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Your cat’s life may be a mystery at times, but their health doesn’t need to be.