Please meet Jinx-the-cat, our pal Unlucky-the-dog’s long-time companion and partner in crime. There’s no doubt about it, ol’ Jinx here has used up all her nine lives of bad luck. She’s got herself into an array of unfortunate situations and felt every consequence – from neighbourhood cat fights, and nasty bites, right through to inflictions of every infection.
And let’s not forget Jinx’s daredevil dash across the road (she was chasing Unlucky) which unfortunately saw her colliding with the neighbour’s new car.
Like Unlucky-the-dog, Jinx-the-cat is made-up. And although we love her as if she were real, her main purpose is to highlight the vet costs you may be up for if your cat is faced with these common illnesses or accidents. That way you can get a better understanding of whether you'd benefit from having some cover in place^.
Common vet costs, featuring Jinx the cat
| Common illnesses/accidents | Average treatment cost^ | Highest treatment cost^ |
| Skin infection and allergies | $229 | $2446 |
| Cat fight/bite | $274 | $1160 |
| Urinary tract infection | $425 | $2122 |
| Hit by car | $2758 | $9548 |
| Eye infection | $209 | $2751 |
| Gastrointestinal | $369 | $4398 |
| Ear infection | $230 | $1316 |
| Dental disease | $503 | $1053 |
| Lumps/cysts | $223 | $952 |
| Abscess | $514 | $5289 |
1. Skin infections and allergies Skin infections can be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Allergens are picked up outside and stick to your pet’s coat, belly and paws, and can get inside their ears and nose.1 For both of these, the costs most likely sit between $229 to $2446^ depending on the treatment.
2. Cat fight/bite Unfortunately, it is common for cats to fight and bite. Average treatment costs for this sits at $274^ but the highest treatment cost can be $1160^ - which could take a bit of a bite out of the wallet.
3. Urinary tract infection Cats with a UTI may strain to urinate, only urinate in small amounts, and cry out when urinating.2 The cost for treating a UTI is on average $425^ but if there are further complications it can be up to $2122^
4. Hit by car Cats generally have a bit more freedom when it comes to roaming the streets, as opposed to dogs who are more likely to be with their owners. The average cost for treating being hit by a car is $2758^ and the highest treatment cost has been $9548^
5. Eye infections Common signs of conjunctivitis in cats is an excessive tearing or watering from one or both eyes, abnormal discharge (cloudy, yellow, or greenish), or reddened conjunctival membranes.3 It can be up to an eye-watering $2751^ to treat.
6. Gastrointestinal Vomiting and diarrhoea can be common in pets and besides being uncomfortable and umm….messy, it comes with an average cost of $369^ to treat.
7. Ear infections There are many reasons why pet’s ears become inflamed. These include allergies, foreign bodies, humidity, and parasites.4 The cost for treatment on average is $230^
8. Dental disease Dental disease can progress quickly through four stages, from mild gum disease through to large amount of plaque, swollen gums, bleeding and tooth loss. Your pet could even become seriously ill as bacteria can go on to cause problems in organs like their heart and kidneys.5 The average cost for treatment is approx. $503^ but in some cases, it can go up to $1053^*
9. Lumps/cysts Removing a lump has an average treatment cost of $486^, however if more complex surgical removal is required it could be up to $1617^
10. Abscess Abscesses are defined as an accumulation of pus, which usually forms as a result of the cat getting a puncture wound during a real or mock fight.6 The average treatment cost is $514 but it can go up to $5289^
^ Mean claim amount figures based on Allianz Partners 2018-2020 pet insurance claims data, and highest claim amount figures are based on Allianz Partners 2018-2020 claims data, for total claimed amount per condition per policy period. Allianz Partners was previously the administrator and manager of the AA Pet Insurance. It’s important to know that these costs are indicative only. Your own pet’s treatment costs may vary from these figures depending on the severity and individual circumstances. AA Pet Insurance covers up to 80% of eligible vet expenses. Policy terms, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits apply. Waiting periods and excesses may also apply. See individual policy documents.
* Please note that the Dental Illness Sub limit is $600.
1. Source https://aucklandpethospital.co.nz/pet-library/how-to-identify-seasonal-pet-allergy-symptoms
2. Source https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/feline-lower-urinary-tract-disease
3. Source https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/conjunctivitis-in-cats
4. Source https://aucklandpethospital.co.nz/pet-library/ear-infection-in-pets
5. Source https://aucklandpethospital.co.nz/pet-library/identifying-dental-disease
6. Source https://www.nightvet.co.nz/feline-bite-abscesses
AA Pet Insurance policies are brought to you by the New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated (AA), are administered and managed by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd, and are underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd.
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