Is cat insurance mandatory?

  • Publicado: 12/09/2026

Over the last number of years, interest in insurance for pets has risen sharply, in particular following the entry into force of the Animal Welfare Act. In this regard, many cat owners wonder whether they need to take out cat insurance.

What does pet insurance for cats cover?

Cat insurance comes with a number of benefits and coverages designed to ensure your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind. There are insurances that include:

Vet fees

The veterinary care coverage includes consultations, emergencies, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, hospitalization, and anesthesia for animals weighing up to 40 kg.

Civil liability

Covers damage to other people, animals or property caused by the pet. This means that if the animal does something that incurs financial or legal costs, the insurance will cover these costs.

Accident coverage

With a capital sum of up to €1,000 in the case of SegurCaixa Adeslas pet insurance.

Theft

In some cases, theft protection is included, covering up to €800.

Is cat insurance mandatory?

There are currently no regulations in Spain making cat insurance mandatory. However, the Animal Welfare Act will make Civil Liability mandatory for all dogs, although it’s currently only mandatory for PPPs (Potentially Dangerous Dogs), which is also mandatory for all dogs in some Autonomous Communities such as Madrid and the Basque Country.

Therefore, although it isn’t mandatory, it could be worthwhile to take out insurance for your cat. It’ll give you peace of mind so you don't have to deal with unforeseen expenses that could break the bank without insurance. It also means your cat can be given the necessary care in any situation.

For example, insurance is highly recommended if your cat has access to the outdoors and there is a risk of damage to others or it’s involved in an accident. It’s also worthwhile for cats living in households with children or other pets, where incidents are always a possibility. What’s more, if you’d prefer to be covered against unexpected expenses, insurance is a practical and reassuring investment.

Advantages of taking out cat insurance

If you’re still unsure as to whether you need insurance for your cat, here are some of the main advantages:

Peace of mind

Having insurance means that your pet will be protected against all possible situations; from accidents to unexpected illnesses. This means you can act quickly in urgent situations without having to worry about costs.

Savings

Vet costs can be high, in particular when it comes to surgery, hospitalisation or prolonged treatment. Insurance helps to significantly cut down on the financial impact of these services by covering part and, in some cases, all of the costs.

Flexible options

You can choose the plan that best suits your pet. SegurCaixa MASCOTAS offers a basic, affordable option or a more complete plan for extra peace of mind—because a young indoor cat isn’t the same as an older or outdoor one.

24/7 assistance

The comprehensive pet insurance includes added services like veterinary consultations via chat and a 24/7 emergency phone line, helping you resolve quick questions or urgent issues without needing to visit the clinic right away.

Civil liability coverage

As we mentioned earlier, although it isn’t mandatory for cats, having third party liability coverage protects you against any cat-related incident, such as damage to property or injury to other people or animals.

Prevention and well-being

This not only improves their quality of life and life expectancy, it also prevents more serious problems in the long term.

Protection against unforeseen events

Such as accidents in the home, an insurance policy ensures that your cat receives the best medical care without costs being a barrier.

Tips

Tips to protect the health of your cat

Beyond taking out insurance, day-to-day care is key to ensuring that your cat lives as long as possible in the best possible conditions. Here are some practical tips:

  • Regular visits to the vet: a general check-up is recommended at least once a year. Cats over 8 or those suffering from a pathology should get two check-ups per year.
  • Balanced diet: always go for quality, well-formulated and nutritionally complete foods. Take into account your cat's age and needs before choosing the most suitable type of food.
  • Home care: brush regularly to avoid matted fur or swallowing hairballs. Also look out for signs of illness by checking their ears, mouth and stool.
  • Safe environment: make sure your home is free of dangerous objects, always protect windows to prevent falls and create a comfortable space for your pet, with a soft bed and a good scratching post.
  • Hydration: Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, clean water. Cats are prone to kidney problems, so they should be encouraged to drink as much as possible.

We answer all your questions

FAQs

The Animal Welfare Act makes it obligatory to microchip cats and to register them in the corresponding census. What’s more, neutering cats that have access to the outdoors is encouraged with a view to preventing the proliferation of stray animals. It also regulates aspects such as the minimum care and feeding conditions that owners must guarantee at all times.

In accordance with current regulations, owning a cat calls for meeting certain basic requirements. Including:

  • Identify the cat with a microchip.

  • Register it in the Autonomous Community’s animal census.

  • Provide adequate food, veterinary care and a clean and safe environment.

  • In some cases, neuter the cat if it has access to the outdoors, as encouraged by the Animal Welfare Act.

Cat registration is obligatory in many autonomous communities in accordance with animal control and welfare measures. You could be fined for not registering your cat and, in the event of loss or theft, you wouldn’t be able to prove ownership. It’s a simple yet key step in caring for your pet and fulfilling your legal responsibilities as a pet owner.

In short, cat insurance has more than just financial advantages. It’s, without a doubt, a commitment to their well-being. Taking out insurance is a smart decision so you can look after your pet with complete peace of mind when it comes to whether or not you’ll be able to afford veterinary services.