While most cat owners debate whether to get pet insurance to cover the usual medical issues, some insurance carriers are finding out that pets have quite the capability for creative mischief.
Nationwide even has its own prize for these events, called the Hambone Award, which celebrates the most unusual pet insurance claims of the year. (apparently named in honor of a dog who ate an entire holiday ham while stuck in a refrigerator)
This years finalists include Lambeau, a North Carolina dog who ate more than 250 jigsaw puzzle pieces. Last year’s winner, Giles, was a cat in New York City who got smushed inside a folding sofa bed (they’re fine now, don’t worry!)
Southern Cross pet insurance had a host of unlucky dogs who in turn, swallowed a rock, chives, sewing pins and socks, which all posed a danger to their health and required surgery to remove them. The most expensive claim paid was $15,000 for a dog that needed surgery after a sock got stuck in its bowel and caused complications.
Not to be outdone by all the dogs, a Bengal cat made the top 10 list by trying to defy gravity. The feline jumped out a window and landed on its owner’s palm tree – not once, but twice. Both times the cat had to get a palm spike removed from its paw, but the second time required surgery to extract it.
Saga insurance had some doozies as well:
One customer was relaxing at home when one of the rooms was suddenly on fire. After putting out the flames, she realized that her two tortoises had knocked over the heat lamp which started the blaze. The pets were unharmed but the damage repair cost over $7788.
One customer dealt with this cat-astrophe when she returned home only to find all her favorite antique ceramic ornaments smashed on the floor. She later saw sitting amid the chaos her neighbor’s cat, which had knocked the items over. More than $650 was needed to replace the ornaments.
Meanwhile, some owners have been forced to take out claims after being tripped up by their dogs. One example saw an owner spill their drink on an expensive keyboard after their pet got tangled up under their feet. (which has also happened to me. Ugh.) Other incidents involving electrical items have seen laptops fall into fish tanks, TVs come off their stands and mobile phones knocked off countertops.
“We are a nation of pet lovers, but even the best-behaved dog or cat can leave you with a big bill. Animal accidents in the home can cost thousands to put right,” said Saga communications director Paul Green. “Accidental damage cover is essential for any pet owner to protect themselves against any pet mishaps.”
So not only do you need to make sure you can care for your cat if they’re
determined to be the next Evel Knieval, check your homeowners’/ renters’ policy to make sure you and your belongings are protected, too!