Hi there! I’m Kyler and my furkid is Matcha — yes, he’s named after my favourite drink (you guessed it: matcha). He’s a 7-month-old British Longhair, super fluffy and full of personality.
Getting Matcha wasn’t something I rushed into. I spent months reading up on different breeds, learning about their needs, and making sure I was ready. Eventually, I visited a cattery just to have a look — and somehow walked out knowing Matcha was the one.
He’s obsessed with anything feathery and loves chasing balls around the house. Feathers especially — he never gets bored of them. His current favourite snack is freeze-dried chicken cubes, and he goes absolutely nuts for them.
Being a pet parent has been such a fun (and slightly chaotic) journey, and I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to keep Matcha healthy and happy. That’s why I’m looking into pet insurance — just in case anything unexpected comes up. He means the world to me, and I want to be ready for whatever life throws our way.
Q: How do you care for the wellness of your pet, especially if they are prone to any hereditary illness?
Before bringing Matcha home, we made sure that both he and his parents were in good health. We took our time to understand his breed’s potential health risks and made sure to get him from a responsible cattery that prioritises the wellbeing of their cats.
To help reduce the chances of Matcha developing any health issues — especially things that British Longhairs may be prone to, like kidney conditions — we’re very careful with his diet. We only feed him high-quality food that’s free from by-products and fillers, and we make sure the ingredients are as natural as possible. We also add moisture to his meals and ensure he always has access to clean water, since cats tend to drink less on their own and that can lead to kidney problems later on.
On top of that, we set aside at least 15–30 minutes a day for active playtime. It’s not just for physical health — it helps keep him mentally stimulated and happy too. Whether it’s chasing feathers or zooming around the house, we make sure he gets a good amount of movement and engagement every day.
All in all, we try to give Matcha the best care possible, so he grows up strong, healthy, and well-loved.
Q: What do you look out for when considering a pet insurance?
I mainly look at whether the plan covers common issues for British Longhairs, like heart disease or kidney problems. I also check if they cover chronic conditions long-term, not just for a year. And honestly, how smooth the claims process is matters too—don’t want to be stuck with a complicated system when I’m stressed about my cat.
When I was considering pet insurance for Matcha, I looked at a few key things. Since he’s a British Longhair, I wanted to make sure the policy covers breed-related issues like heart conditions (like HCM) and kidney problems, which can be more common as they age. It’s also important to me that chronic conditions are covered for life—not just for the first year—because once something shows up, it usually needs ongoing treatment.
I also checked how much of the vet bill they reimburse, if there’s a cap per condition or per year, and how flexible they are with choosing your own vet. Some plans look cheap upfront but end up not covering much when you need them most. And honestly, I want something with a smooth claims process—when you’re already worried about your cat, the last thing you need is a messy admin headache.
If you have checked out Happy Tail, what do you like the most about the policy?
I checked out Happy Tails and what stood out to me was that the coverage actually feels practical. Like, it includes things that would really cost a lot if something serious happened—surgery, hospitalisation, even chemo. I also like that they cover hereditary and chronic conditions for life, which is important for breeds like Matcha.
The co-pay and deductible seem pretty reasonable, and I like that there’s a no-claim discount if you don’t make any claims that year. Overall, it feels like a solid plan that any fur parents can consider.
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Make an informed decision today and protect your pet’s health with Aon Happy Tails. Visit www.aonhappytails.com to learn more and purchase a plan that suits your needs.
* This blog is designed to be a community where pet owners can learn and share. The views expressed in each post are the opinion of the author and not necessarily endorsed by Pawjourr. Always consult your veterinarian for professional advice.
