The truth about cats and dogs is Cavoodles are Australia’s favourite canine, while the Domestic Short Hair has purred its way to the title of Top Cat, according to Bupa Pet Insurance.
The list, based on Bupa Pet Insurance policies, shows size doesn’t matter with big dogs like Labradors, Border Collies and Golden Retrievers making the top 10 list as well as the smaller bundles of fun including the Maltese Cross, French Bulldog and Miniature Dachshund.
The cat’s out of the bag with Ragdolls, Tabbies, Burmese, and Domestic Short Hairs among our most popular cat breeds.
National data reveals there are about 28.7 million pets living in 6.9 million households throughout Australia, with almost half those homes having a dog for a housemate, while a third have a cat.
Bupa General Insurance General Manager Lachlan Davidson said what all pets had in common, whether they were dogs or cats, was that they were paw-fect for companionship and cuddles.
“Aussies continue to embrace paws and claws, and our popular furry pets reflect the wide-ranging choices, needs and lifestyles of pet parents,” Mr Davidson said.
“Besides being cute and cuddly, Cavoodles are able to fit in with many house settings – from large homes to small city apartments, they just make for the perfect housemate.”
Despite cost-of-living pressures on households, many families continue to own pets, but a national PetSure survey showed 21.5% of owners reduced preventive care including routine check-up appointments while some skipped treatment for fleas, ticks, and worms.
Bupa Pet Insurance claim data shows gastrointestinal complaints, skin allergies, ear infections, eating foreign objects and eye problems were among the top claims for dogs.
While for cats, injuries from accidents, gastrointestinal diseases, skin allergies, eye problems, dental issues and urinary tract disease are leading to pet bills.
Mr Davidson encouraged pet owners to remain vigilant with their pet dog or cat’s health.
“Many conditions when not treated early can lead to more serious complications,” he said.
“With the ongoing financial impacts to household budgets, pet insurance can help cover pets’ medical expenses should something unexpectedly occur.
“Since the pandemic, pet ownership continues to increase, and we’ve seen a 10% increase in the number of people taking out Bupa Pet Insurance.”
Top 10 Dog Breeds
- Cavoodle
- Maltese Cross
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador
- Border Collie
- French Bulldog
- Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- German Sheppard
- Golden Doodle (Groodle)
Top 10 Cat Breeds
- Domestic Short hair
- Ragdoll
- Domestic Medium Hair
- Domestic House Cat
- Tabby
- British Short Hair
- Domestic Long Hair
- Burmese
- Unknown Cat Breed
- Ragdoll Cross
Source: Bupa Pet Insurance data based on insurance policies July 2023 – June 2024
ENDS
Notes for news desks:
Photos available upon request.
For more information, please contact:
Aleks Devic
Head of Media (Health Insurance) and Content, Bupa
Email: aleks.devic@bupa.com.au
Mob: 0412 868 933
About Bupa Asia Pacific
Bupa is an international healthcare group which has been committed to a purpose of helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world for more than 70 years.
Bupa Asia Pacific operates in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, supporting about 7.3 million customers through a broad range of health and care services including health insurance, aged care, dental, medical, optical and hearing services.
Employing more than 22,000 people in the region, we believe that we can make a real difference to the lives of customers through our values, purpose and the way that we deliver personalised care.
Over the past 17+ years we have invested more than AUD$36 million in partnerships and programs focused on improving health of communities across Australia.