Saga Pet Insurance has revealed that 1 in 7 (14%) claims are a result of clumsy pets*. The analysis looked at the number of ‘clumsy’ claims, rather than those for illness or disease, made for both cats and dogs in each region. Midlands’ moggies are revealed as the most accident-prone cats in the UK with over a quarter (26%) of claims caused by carelessness. Dogs in the area can feel a little smug as it’s their Southern relatives who were clearly the most hapless in the UK with the South East having the highest proportion of claims related to clumsiness, and being twice (185%) more likely to fall victim of their own negligence than welsh mutts who are the most cautious in the UK.

Top 5 regions of clumsiest cats  
1. Midlands
2. South East
3. Scotland
4. South West
5. North West

Top 5 regions of clumsiest Dogs
1. South East
2. South West
3. Scotland
4. East Anglia
5. North East

The top reasons for accident-prone cats to visit the vet were injuries to the body (22%) or being involved in road traffic accidents (16%). Getting caught on branches when jumping out of trees or cutting themselves when squeezing through small gaps were examples of some of the scrapes they get into. Dogs are more likely to suffer injuries to feet (27%) and ligament damage which is generally caused by a sudden strain on the leg (16%), both highlighting that dogs aren’t quite as nimble on their toes as their owners would like to believe.

However it’s not just the pets we should be feeling sorry for. The cost of treating these clumsy animals is potentially huge for the 71% of pet owners who are uninsured in the UK**.  The average cost for treating a cat involved in a road traffic accident is £705 but the costs can be as much as £5000, and treating a dog that has ligament damage could be closer to £9000!

*Analysis of actual Saga Pet Insurance claims from April 2006 to July 2007.
** GB TGI 2007 Q4 (Jul 2006 – Jun 2007) – Hhld survey

Melvin Everest, from leading pet insurer MORE TH>N comments on the NHS statistics released today, showing a rise in the number of people treated for dog bites:

“The latest statistics from the NHS show a worrying rise in dog attacks, particularly amongst children and a growing trend for ownership of menacing breeds, which are considered by some as status symbols. At MORE TH>N we take responsible pet ownership seriously and we support Mr Lamb’s call for greater awareness of the risks of irresponsible dog ownership.

As one of the leading pet insurers in the UK, we not only look to provide insurance to dogs (and cats) of all ages, up to £7,000 for each and every illness or injury, money towards advertising for lost pets, and a 24 hour veterinary helpline, we also provide all customers with up to £2 million of liability insurance should their dog injure someone, or damage someone else’s property

In addition, in support of the principle of Dangerous Dogs Act 1991and the lack of knowledge on the conduct of certain breeds, we have applied restrictions on the breeds of dogs we insure. As such we do not provide cover to a variety of wolf type breeds, breeds originally bred for guarding or potentially used for fighting.