Research by a comparison website has found that many pet owners do not have insurance for their cats or dogs, meaning they could struggle with costs if they get sick.

 

Gocompare.com found that 60 per cent of owners do not have any pet insurance, while one in five said that they would have to turn to charity support if they were faced with veterinary bills over £500.

 

John Miles, head of product development at Gocompare.com, said that, with premiums as low as £39.60 a year for cats and £44.40 a year for dogs, the cost of insurance is less than the amount spent on treats and clothes for pets .

 

He said: Recent technological advances in veterinary treatment have increased the cost of taking a cat or dog to the vets .

 

So, insuring a pet for a few pounds a month makes financial sense and can help take away some of the stress and worry when a beloved cat or dog is ill or injured.

 

A poll by Swinton last year found that many homeowners did not have an alarm installed or switched on in their house as they were worried their pets would set it off.