It’s a special privilege to share many years with a beloved cat. As they age, keeping them healthy and comfortable often requires more frequent and complex veterinary care.
Since many think that cats are low maintenance animals, they don’t consider pet insurance to be a cost-effective choice. But it is a common misconception that pet insurance is not worth it for cats when they reach a certain age.
It is important to remember that cat insurance remains a valuable tool for supporting the health and well‑being of senior cats. Having coverage helps pet owners plan ahead and avoid both difficult financial and emotional choices.
This article explores why insurance still matters for older cats and how it can support a long, high‑quality life.
- Understanding When a Cat Becomes Senior
- Common Health Issues in Older Cats
- Why Pet Insurance Still Matters for Senior Cats
- Myths Debunked: Common Misconceptions About Insuring Senior Cats
- What to Look for in a Senior Cat Insurance Policy
- The Real Cost of Vet Care in Australia
- Insure Your Senior Cat With Knose
- [Case Study] Example of a Senior Cat Pet Insurance Coverage
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding When a Cat Becomes Senior
Cats are generally considered to enter their senior years around 7 to 10 years of age, with many professionals marking age 7 as the transition point into “mature adult” status.
Indoor cats typically enjoy longer lives and can often live to 12–20 years. Some exceptional cats have also lived into their early 20s or beyond. This means that a cat’s senior years still span a significant portion of their life.
During this time, pet owners will expect to see different behavioural and physical cha00nges emerge. These subtle cues often mark the beginning of increased healthcare needs ahead.
| Behavioural Changes | Health-Related Changes |
| Increased vocalisation or meowing | Dental issues (bad breath, red gums) |
| Less interest in play or toys | Appetite changes |
| Sleeping more or altered sleep patterns | Arthritis or reduced mobility |
| Hiding or clinginess | Chronic diseases (kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, etc.) |
| Disorientation or confusion | Higher risk of infections and slower healing |
| Litter box avoidance | Weight or muscle mass loss |
| Startles more easily | Cognitive dysfunction (dementia-like symptoms) |
| Greying fur around the muzzle, dull or dry coat, increased shedding. |
6 Most Common Health Issues in Older Cats
As cats grow older, they become more vulnerable to a range of chronic health conditions. These common age-related illnesses often require ongoing treatment and can significantly affect quality of life if not managed proactively.
1. Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common conditions in senior cats. It can develop gradually and often remains undetected until signs are advanced. While it can’t be cured, it can be managed through diet, hydration support, and medications. This condition is covered under the Knose policy, provided it’s not a Pre-existing Symptom or Condition and other exclusions don’t apply.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Typically diagnosed from ages 10-13, this endocrine disorder leads to excessive thyroid hormone production. Treatment options include medication, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery. Knose Pet Insurance policies vary on a case to case basis but Knose generally covers this condition as part of the core Pet Insurance policy.
3. Diabetes
Often appearing in middle‑aged to senior cats, diabetes arises when the body fails to produce or respond to insulin. Standard treatment involves a strict diet, regular blood glucose monitoring, and daily insulin injections. This ongoing condition, which can be very costly without support, is also covered by Knose as long as it is considered an eligible condition.
4. Arthritis and Joint Pain
Mobility issues are remarkably common in senior cats even when not visibly limping. Treatment often involves pain management, joint supplements, physical therapy, and environmental adaptation like ramps or non-slip mats. Knose covers treatments for Arthritis within the core policy.
5. Dental Disease
Neglected oral care can lead to infections with systemic consequences. Left untreated, dental infections can impact systemic health. Preventative dental care is highly recommended. Dental illness treatments can be added through Knose’s optional benefits which include dental illness cover.
6. Feline Cognitive Dysfunction
Similar to human dementia, this impacts memory, awareness, sleep patterns, and house training. While there is no cure, environmental enrichment, consistent routines, supportive diet or supplements, and veterinary care can help manage symptoms. Knose offers optional benefits that can support behavioural or specialised therapy treatments for cognitive decline.
Without the right support, managing any one of these conditions can quickly become expensive and stressful. That is why early recognition and proactive management are crucial to help your cat age gracefully.
Why Pet Insurance Still Matters for Senior Cats
Younger pets are generally more active, healthier, and stronger when recovering from illnesses. While older cats may be in the last years of life, they tend to need more vet visits. Pet insurance can help manage the cost of:
- diagnostic tests and imaging
- emergency treatment and hospitalisation
- long-term care of covered chronic conditions
With Knose, senior cats remain covered as long as the policy was started before the pet turned 9 years old. While some conditions may fall under Pre-existing Symptoms and Conditions, your policy can still offer valuable support by covering new, unrelated illnesses and injuries.
💡Even in a cat’s senior years, pet insurance can provide financial support and peace of mind so you can focus on keeping your cat comfortable and well cared for.
Myths Debunked: 4 Common Misconceptions About Insuring Senior Cats
Myth 1: Pet Insurance is only for young cats
✅ Truth: Knose allows cats to start a policy up to 8 years and 364 days old. Once insured, cover can continue for life, provided the policy is renewed each year.
Myth 2: Pet Insurance is not beneficial for cats that are already sick.
✅ Truth: Pre-existing Symptoms and Conditions are excluded. However, new and unrelated illnesses or injuries that arise after the policy starts and after the relevant exclusion periods have passed, may be covered.
Myth 3: Cats don’t need Pet Insurance since they are healthier than dogs.
✅ Truth: Cats are masters at hiding pain. Chronic illnesses often go undetected until advanced stages. Pet insurance helps you seek veterinary care earlier which may improve outcomes and quality of life.
Myth 4: Pet Insurance is too expensive.
✅ Truth: While premiums depend on your pet’s background, medical history, and chosen cover, they can be far lower than unexpected emergency or ongoing treatment costs. Insurance helps you plan ahead and manage unexpected expenses.
What to Look for in a Senior Cat Insurance Policy
- Chronic conditions cover, especially for common ones found in your cat’s breed.
- Lifetime coverage to ensure you and your cat are comfortable through all stages of life.
- Transparent policy terms with clear exclusion periods and exclusion clauses.
- Possibility of adding Optional Benefits for eligible policies annually for pets under 3 years at the time of applying:
- dental illness treatment
- specialised therapies (e.g. acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy)
- behavioural therapies (e.g. for anxiety or obsessive behaviours)
- Flexible, customisable plans to suit your cat’s needs and your budget.
💡Knose gives pet owners the freedom to choose the annual limit, benefit percentage, and annual excess on their pet’s insurance policy.
The Real Cost of Vet Care in Australia
Average Cost of Pet Insurance in Australia
In Australia, pet insurance typically costs from $711 to $1,460 per year depending on the type of animal and its breed. Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs as they are smaller and spend less time outdoors.
Canstar data shows average annual cost for accident & illness cover is roughly $711/year for cats, and adding routine care increases to about $828/year. That’s approximately $59-$69 monthly, depending on age, cover and provider, with older pets near the upper end of the scale.
Without Pet Insurance: Out‑of‑Pocket Costs
- Dental illness treatment: Extractions or more complicated dental procedures costs can range from $850 to $1,750. Full-mouth extractions or severe cases may even cost $3,200 to $4,800.
- Arthritis medication: Monthly costs in Australia can range from $45 to over $100, depending on the medication and pet’s health background.
- Imaging or ultrasound: Ultrasounds and X-rays at specialist or referral clinics in Australia often start at $400 to $500 and can exceed $800.
- Emergency hospitalisation or surgery: Emergency procedures (e.g. foreign object removal, trauma surgery) can cost $2,000–$6,000, especially with overnight care or after-hours services.
💡With Knose, pet owners can generally claim 70% to 90% of eligible bills, depending on their benefit percentage level and annual excess choice.
Why It’s Smart to Insure Sooner Rather Than Later
While pet insurance for senior cats can be essential, the smartest strategy is to get coverage while your cat is still young and healthy.
- Insuring your cat while they’re young and healthy can reduce the likelihood of exclusions and provide access to optional benefits like dental and behavioural cover that are only available for pets under 3 years old under Knose policy.
- Early take up can also improve long-term value, giving you wider eligibility for extras and a longer period of uninterrupted coverage.
- Pet insurance acts as a financial safety net for unexpected illnesses, helping cover eligible diagnostics and treatments for new illnesses or injuries — so you can focus on your cat’s care, not the cost.
Tailoring Coverage with Knose
Knose allows new policies for pets aged 6 weeks up to 8 years and 364 days. Once your pet is insured, their coverage continues for life as long as the policy remains active and renewed.
We want our elderly pets to maintain the best quality of life, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable. Knose’s flexible insurance structure includes the choice of:
- Annual limits: $7,500, $12,500, or $25,000
- Benefit percentage: 70%, 80%, or 90%
- Annual excess: $0, $100, or $200
Optional benefits (for eligible policies): dental illness treatment, behaviour therapies, specialised therapies (like acupuncture, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy)
Knose gives you a transparent policy. There are no hidden fees, just a small policy administration fee. Knose wants to provide pet owners with all the information necessary to make the best choices.
While pet insurance helps handle unexpected illness-related costs, Knose’s Pet Care Plans support routine wellness for vaccinations, parasite control, bloodwork, dental exams, and more that are not covered by Knose Pet Insurance. These plans can help you provide your cat with preventive care, early detection, and healthier ageing to enhance the comfort and longevity in senior cats.
Example of a Senior Cat’s Pet Insurance Coverage
Sagwa is a 10-year-old indoor Siamese cat. He’s been insured with Knose since he was 6 and had recently been diagnosed with arthritis and early signs of hyperthyroidism.
| Details | Without Pet Insurance | With Knose Pet Insurance |
| Expenses Over 6 Months | Estimated $3,000 (medications, diagnostics, specialist visits) | Estimated $600 out-of-pocket expenses (considering a benefit percentage of 80%) |
| Monthly Premium | N/A | Estimated $85/month |
| Coverage | None | Covers eligible diagnostics and treatment |
Since Sagwa’s policy has been active continuously since he was 6 years old and his conditions developed after the relevant exclusion periods, his eligible diagnostics and treatments may be covered.
Key Takeaways
Our well-loved senior cats face unique health challenges, from chronic illness to hidden pain and mobility issues, and they may require consistent, proactive care. Pet insurance for older cats could be essential, and they are accessible as long as you take it up before they reach 9 years of age.
With Knose, pet owners can customise their policy to choose annual limits, annual excesses, benefit percentages, and add optional benefits.
Knose empowers cat owners to make confident health care decisions and maintain their pet’s quality of life without financial compromise health care decisions and maintain their pet’s quality of life without financial compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it really worth getting pet insurance for an older cat?
It can be! Chronic illnesses and emergencies are much more common with age, making insurance valuable even for senior cats.
Q: What’s the maximum age I can insure my cat with Knose?
8 years and 364 days. Policies started before this cutoff can continue without age limit if renewed.
Q: Does insurance cover existing health issues?
Most pet insurance providers exclude Pre-existing Symptoms and Conditions. Knose will cover new and unrelated conditions after the exclusion period (also called waiting period) ends.
Q: How much does pet insurance for senior cats cost in Australia?
It varies depending on your pet and coverage level. Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs. For cats specifically, extensive injury and illness cover averages roughly $828/year. Premiums may climb toward the higher end as your cat ages or based on options selected.
Q: What if I adopted an older cat from a shelter?
If they are under the 9 year age limit, you can still apply. Pet insurance can be especially wise for rescue cats with unknown health history.
Q: Can I add dental or specialised therapy to the policy?
Yes! Knose offers optional benefits for eligible policies for dental illness, behaviour, and specialised therapies like physiotherapy or acupuncture for eligible policies (if your pet was under 3 years of age at the time you first applied for Knose pet insurance). Remember to check your pet insurance policy for all the information on your coverage.
Q: Is there an exclusion (waiting) period before claims can be made?
Most pet insurance providers have exclusion periods. Knose applies a 14‑day exclusion period for illnesses, about six‑month exclusions for specified conditions, and Injury cover may begin in as little as one day. Check out What are Exclusion Periods in Pet Insurance to learn more.
Q: What happens if I never use the insurance?
It’s a rare but wonderful thing to have a completely healthy pet—especially as they age. Insurance offers peace of mind and comfort when your senior cat needs extra care. As we like to say: you hope you never need it but when you do, it’s priceless.
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Marie Boncan
Marie grew up surrounded by animals, but caring for Kublai, her Yorkie-Maltese mix with a liver shunt, sparked a deeper commitment to pet health. Drawing from her experience with a pet who has special needs and her strength in academic writing, she creates insightful content that shines a light on key pet care topics for Knose Pet Insurance as a freelancer.
