What kind of medical costs should I expect when getting a new kitten?

One thing you should consider when getting a new cat is the cost of vet bills. You should be prepared to handle routine costs from year to year for yearly physical exams, occassional fecal samples (and worming medication), plus yearly vaccinations. You should also keep in mind that accidents and major illnesses can happen. You should also be aware of the cost of spaying or neuterng.

What kind of medical costs should I expect when getting an older cat ?
As well as that costs like yearly physical exams, occassional fecal samples (and worming medication), plus yearly vaccinations, accidents and major illnesses. You should also be aware of the fact that older cats tend to need more meical attention. Just as human doctor visits increase wth age so do vet visits and medication frequency increase with older cats. Older cats tend to have more problems especially if they were not cared for properly as kittens.

What are my choices when it comes to paying for my cats health care?

Most of the time your veterinarian will have pay plan types that cover every thing from credit cards to post dated checks. It is always best to know things like that before an emergency that happens when you are having financial trouble. Some people may consider using pet health care insurance to control unexpected costs. You might be able to negotiate a monthy payment toward a large bill. The humane society may know of lower-cost clinics or vets who are prepared to cut prices for people who are not particularly well off. The best thing to do is call around and ask. You should always remember that your vet is a place of business. Vets tend not to have high incomes. They also have many of the same expenses as an MD (equipment, office staff) and the additional expenses of running their own pharmacy (and animal medicine is just as expensive as people medicine). This will help you to understand that you can make payment aragements to pay the vet but don't try to cheat him just because his generosity allows you a loophole to get out of paying.

I've heard of pet insurance does it really exist?

Yes, there is such a thing called pet insurance.

How does pet insurance work?

Health maintenance plans are set up between your vet and yourself and then administrated by a HMO company.

Where can I get pet insurance?


A company called RLI Planned Services. The company can be reached by mail. They can answer any questions you may have. Their address is
RLI Planned Services Inc.
Dept. CF
9025 N. Lindbergh Drive
Peoria, IL 61615


What does pet insurance cover?


You and your vet can decide on the best plan for you and your cat. Your insurance plan might look something like this:
For \\$75 a year, your cat receives:
BASIC HEALTH CARE
1 physical exam
1 FVRCPC booster
1 Rabies booster
1 FeLV test
50% off FeLV series Fecal analysis
ear flush
worming
MAJOR ELECTIVE PROCEDURES: 40% off Spay or Neuter
20% off Declawing
50% off Dental Prophylaxis
(anesthesia included)
HEALTH SURVEY:
20% off Radiographs
20% off EKG
20% off Chemistry screen profile
20% off Complete blood count
10% off All other medical, surgical and hospital services (except prescriptions and diets).
(All of these things are included in the HMO listd above for \\$75/year. OR $125 for two years.)

How will I know if my vet accepts this insurance?

The best thing to do is ask. If your vet has never heard of these services I suggest that you get some information material form the company and ask your vet if he would read the information then maybe consider using the program for clients who are in need of such a HMO program. Your Vet may also be able to direct you to other pet insurance plans that they know about or participate in.

How do I know if pet insurance is right for me?

There are many things to consider when looking in to pet insurance. If you figure that you spend much more than \\$75.00 a year on vet visits per cat, which could be the case with older cats, then pet insurance might be a good idea.Pet insurance will help with major medical problems such as FUS, cancer, etc, or emergency care. If your pet is basically healthy, you will pay about as much either way it is just a decision that you have to make concerning your own finances. If you need to you can figure your vet bills for a year with and without insurance and see how you come out better.