Bow Wow Meow vs RSPCA Pet Insurance — 2026 cat insurance comparison
By Catstuff Editorial · Updated 2026-05-13
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Bow Wow Meow and RSPCA Pet Insurance both insure cats in Australia. Bow Wow Meow is underwritten by Hollard; RSPCA Pet Insurance by PetSure. Different underwriters, so the cover wording, hereditary stance, and claims experience differ meaningfully.
Pedigree cats — Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Persian, Sphynx, British Shorthair.
Older cats (10+) where accident-only is the rational floor.
The verdict in one line
- Cheaper monthly: RSPCA Pet Insurance starts $20 less per month.
- Stronger hereditary cover: Bow Wow Meow (Strong) — matters if your cat is a pedigree with known genetic risk.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Bow Wow Meow | RSPCA Pet Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter | Hollard | PetSure |
| From / month (1yo DSH) | $38 | $18 |
| To / month (1yo DSH) | $72 | $52 |
| Annual limit | Up to $25,000 | $12,000 (accident-only), $15,000 (comprehensive) |
| Reimbursement | 80% | 70% / 80% |
| Excess options | $100 / $200 | $0 / $100 / $200 |
| Illness waiting period | 30 days (illness), 0 days (accident) | 30 days (illness), 0 days (accident) |
| Hereditary cover | Strong | Limited |
| Routine care | Optional add-on | Optional add-on |
| Vet direct-pay | No | No |
| Accepts kittens from | From 8 weeks | From 8 weeks |
| Senior new enrolments | Reduced caps after 9 | Continuing cover only after 9 for comprehensive |
Bow Wow Meow — what it does well
Despite the dog-leaning name, Bow Wow Meow has the strongest hereditary cover in the AU market — making it the right call for Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Persian, Sphynx and British Shorthair where HCM, PKD or genetic disease is the realistic claim driver. Hollard-underwritten with a 24/7 vet helpline.
- Best hereditary cover in the AU market — fewer breed exclusions than PetSure policies
- 24/7 vet helpline included free
- Multi-pet discount stacks across cats and dogs
- Up to $25,000 annual limit on top tier
RSPCA Pet Insurance — what it does well
PetSure-underwritten, RSPCA-branded. The accident-only plan is one of the cheapest entry points in the AU market — useful for older cats where comprehensive premiums are uneconomic. A portion of each premium goes to RSPCA, which some owners find meaningful.
- Cheapest accident-only cover from a major brand (~$18/mo)
- Comprehensive plans align with broader PetSure product set
- RSPCA donation built into premium
Which one wins for your cat?
- Young domestic shorthair, healthy, indoor-only: RSPCA Pet Insurance — the small premium gap matters more than hereditary cover for a low-risk cat.
- Pedigree with hereditary risk (Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Persian, Sphynx, Burmese, British Shorthair): Bow Wow Meow — the stronger hereditary cover usually pays for itself by year 5.
- Older cat (8+) being newly enrolled: Whichever still accepts new enrolments at this age. Check current rules — the answer drifts year-to-year.
- Big upfront vet bill is your worry, not the monthly premium: Neither — both reimburse after you pay.
More cat insurance comparisons
Updated 2026-05-13 · Not financial advice — read each insurer's PDS before buying. Premium snapshots are mid-2026 indicative quotes for a 1-year-old domestic shorthair, metro postcode.