Get Affordable Pet Insurance for Domestic Shorthair Cats

Protecting Domestic Shorthair cats with affordable and flexible cover.

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About Domestic Shorthairs

Domestic Shorthairs are the most common type of non-purebred house cat. They tend to be independent, but they enjoy spending quality time with their human family members. These cats are highly adaptable and do well in a variety of living situations, whether it’s a busy home or a more laid-back environment.

Thanks to their short coats, Domestic Shorthairs are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their coats are also less prone to matting, making them a great option for those who prefer low maintenance pets.

Though each cat is unique, Domestic Shorthairs usually get along well with children and other pets, making them a fantastic addition to multi-pet homes. Their playful and affectionate nature adds charm to any home, and they don’t need much to stay content.

💡 FUN FACT! Historically, Domestic Shorthairs were valued as working cats for their reliable rat-catching abilities. These cute hunters kept families disease free!

Physical description

WEIGHT

3 – 7.5 kg

HEIGHT

20 – 30 cm

COAT LENGTH

Short, dense coat

COLOUR

Variety of solids, tabby, tuxedo, tortoiseshell, calico, ginger, grey, lilac, white, and mixed patterns

Domestic shorthair cat graphic

Things you should know about Domestic Shorthair cats

Cat Insurance

  • While Domestic Shorthairs are a mixed breed with fewer health concerns than purebred cats, pre-existing conditions are something to be mindful of.
  • The average lifespan of a Domestic Shorthair can be anywhere from 13 to 20 years old!
  • Their playful curiosity often leads to a bit of mischief – toppling items or leaping from high places – but with cat insurance, all nine lives can stay safe and healthy!
  • In 2023-2024, the average benefits paid by Knose for Domestic Shorthair cats were $385.

Pet Ownership

  • Domestic Shorthairs are independent cats, but they’re the purr-fect loyal and low maintenance pet for any household.
  • Although their fur is easier to manage compared to long-haired cat breeds, regular brushing 1-2 times a week can reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy.
  • Provide plenty of playtime, scratching posts, and interactive toys to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Essential preventative measures to keep your Domestic Shorthair cats happy

As responsible pet owners, always ensure to give your pets the best care possible.

Regular veterinary
check-ups

Diet and weight
management

Regular
grooming

Ear care

Dental
care

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Common health problems in cats

Knose covers the following potential health problems in cats:

Vet consultations are essential appointments where a veterinarian examines your cat, addresses any symptoms or concerns, and may recommend further diagnostics or treatment. These visits are vital for maintaining your cat’s overall health, catching issues early, and ensuring they receive timely care for illnesses or injuries.

  • Knose: No sub-limit

Other providers: $500 Sub-limit

Hip joint surgery in cats is performed to treat conditions such as hip dysplasia, dislocation, or fractures—most commonly after trauma. Procedures like femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or, more rarely, total hip replacement can relieve pain and restore function. Recovery often involves rest, physiotherapy, and careful monitoring.

  • Knose: No sub-limit

Other providers: $2,000 Sub-limit

Cruciate ligament injuries, while rare in cats, can result from trauma or awkward landings. When this ligament in the knee is torn or ruptured, it leads to pain, limping, and reduced mobility. Treatment may involve strict rest, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery if the injury is severe or does not heal with conservative care.

  • Knose: No sub-limit

Other providers: $2,000 Sub-limit

Tick paralysis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in cats caused by the toxin from paralysis ticks. Symptoms include sudden weakness, wobbliness, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Prompt veterinary intervention—including tick removal and supportive hospital care—is essential to recovery.

  • Knose: No sub-limit

Other providers: $2,000 Sub-limit

Orthopaedic conditions in cats relate to the bones, joints, and musculoskeletal system, often involving issues like fractures, arthritis, and joint dislocations. Diagnosis may include physical exams and imaging such as X-rays. Treatment can range from conservative management to complex surgical procedures, depending on the severity and cause.

  • Knose: No sub-limit

Other providers: $2,000 Sub-limit

Extensive coverage and inclusions for cats of all stages

Trusted to protect over 60,000 pets since 2017, with cover focused on the essential needs of your cat’s well-being.

What We Cover

  • Vet costs if your cat is injured
  • Vet costs if your cat suffers an illness
  • Vet costs for essential euthanasia
  • Vet costs overseas

Optional Benefits

  • Dental Illness
  • Behavioural Conditions
  • Alternative Therapies to treat covered conditions

What we don’t cover

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Preventive and routine items
  • Desexing
  • Brachycephalic Obstruction Airway Syndrome
  • Your actions including pet care
  • Certain treatment
  • Certain vet costs
  • Other general exclusions

Knose provides cover for cats of all stages, from 6-week-old kittens to senior cats, ensuring they’re protected throughout their lives.

graphic illustration of a kitten with insurance
Kittens (6 weeks-1 year)
graphic illustration of a cat with insurance
Adult cat (2-7 years)
graphic illustration of a senior cat with insurance
Senior Cats (8 years+)
See our Coverage

Cat insurance claims made easy

With over 104,000 claims processed and $34 million paid, we’re proud to back Aussie pets when it matters most.

Domestic shorthair cat - Knose cat insurance claims

8 year-old Domestic Shorthair

Chronic Kidney disease diagnosis and treatment

Vet bill

$2,508

Claimed with Knose

$2,257

6 month-old Birman cat - knose cat insurance claims

6 month-old Birman

Vet consultation and medication for Gastroenteritis

Vet bill

$142

Claimed with Knose

$114

5 year-old Ragdoll cat - knose cat insurance claims

5 year-old Ragdoll

Hospital with fluids and specialist treatment for vomiting

Vet bill

$4,472

Claimed with Knose

$3,733

10-year old Russian Blue cat - knose cat insurance claims

10-year old Russian Blue

Ultrasound and specialist costs for enlarged spleen diagnosis

Vet bill

$1,559.55

Claimed with Knose

$1,061 *

3 month-old Domestic Longhair Cat - knose cat insurance claims

3 month-old Domestic Longhair Cat

Consultation and treatment for insect sting

Vet bill

$179.22

Claimed with Knose

$161

Why Choose Knose?

  • Customisable Plans – Choose your cover level, benefit percentage, and excess to suit your budget.
  • No Sub-limits on Vet Bills – We don’t cap individual treatment costs within your annual limit.
  • Fast, Easy Claims – Submit claims online and get reimbursed quickly.
  • 24/7 Pet Health Advice – Get free, unlimited access to expert support anytime, anywhere.

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Trusted by Australian Pet Owners

Real testimonials from those who know best—the pet owners themselves.

Excellent 4.6 based on 782 Reviews

“

Best pet insurance company in Australia!

Thanks to Knose our cat Louis is alive after kidney failure and a bypass operation. Without insurance it would have been too expensive to proceed.  Knose has paid the claims promptly and the service team has been excellent in responding to our queries. 

Louis the cat - Knose customer with cat insurance
“

Quick refund process

Submitted a claim for the first time after 12 months of insurance and everything went smoothly. I received regular updates of the progress of my claim and the refund process was quick once the team had received all the information from the vet.

“

Affordable pet insurance with easy claims!

Knose has been a great choice for pet insurance. The premiums are relatively affordable, claims are super easy to make by just uploading vet invoices, and the 24 hour phoneline that connects you with a vet nurse is a brilliant feature.

“

Amazing claims service

We searched for quite sometime for pet insurance for our toy poodle puppy and we’re so glad we found Knose’s Dog Insurance. They have been amazing. I really appreciate how you can call them with any query you might have and speak to someone in Australia who is clear and concise. Easy to put a claim through and you’re emailed throughout until your claim has been paid. Thank you to everyone for the great service.

“

I recommend Knose’s Cat Insurance to fellow pet owners!

The last thing you want to worry about when you have a sick pet is the cost. Knose Pet Insurance gives me peace of mind knowing that we can get the care we need for our beloved Cat and our claim will be handled with ease and in a timely manner! I recommend Knose to all my pet owning friends and family. Thank you Knose!

“

Fast and friendly customer service

You are very easy to engage with, you keep me up to date with my claim and I love the way you always enquire after Harry my dog. Thank you

“

I love being insured with Knose

I’ve been insured with Knose since our Cavooodle was 8 weeks old and they’re consistently reliable and so easy to communicate with. The claim process is super simple which is one of them any things I love about being insured with Knose.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In general, cat insurance is worth it because of the financial and emotional benefits of ensured care for your furry friends. And it’s highly recommended for Domestic Shorthairs, given the potential for accidents, obesity, and other illnesses. It can help offset veterinary expenses throughout their lives.

Routine veterinary visits are recommended at least once a year for preventive care. Older cats or those with health concerns may need more frequent check-ups.

Unvaccinated Domestic Shorthair cats are vulnerable to viruses that cause severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological diseases, such as feline panleukopenia (FPV). Preventative care, such as cat vaccinations, is a fundamental part of keeping cats happy and healthy.

A high-protein, meat-based diet is ideal for Domestic Shorthair cats, with wet food or quality dry food rich in animal protein and low in carbohydrates. Ensure they get balanced nutrients, including taurine, omega fatty acids, and hydration from wet food or fresh water.

They can develop allergies to certain proteins and environmental elements. A vet-guided elimination diet or environmental changes can help identify and manage triggers.

Choose a policy that provides solid cover for accidents and common illnesses, and consider adding dental illness and behavioural condition cover as optional extras for broader protection.

With our Cat Insurance, you get the advantage of Lifetime Cover, which means there are no age limits once you have insurance.

  • The minimum age for entry for a pet is 6 weeks old.
  • The maximum age for entry for a pet is 8 years and 364 days old.
  • The maximum age for including or adding optional extra benefits is 2 years and 364 days.

There are no age limits when renewing policies.

A brown dog is holding a brown envelope in its mouth.

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