The experts behind our articles ...

Caroline Schröter

State-certified Product Expert and Specialized Veterinary Assistant (ASV)

Product expert at Dalma

State-certified Veterinary Specialist Assistant (ASV)

State-certified Product Expert and Specialized Veterinary Assistant (ASV). State-certified veterinary specialist assistant training in Berlin. With 10 years of professional experience as a senior ASV in a small animal practice in Berlin Kreuzberg. Areas of expertise: Solid practical experience in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, nutrition counseling, as well as extensive knowledge in vector-borne diseases (travel illnesses), cynology (breed studies), laboratory diagnostics, care for injured wild birds, care for injured wild birds, home visits, as well as the training and supervision of apprentices. Passion for behavior and education: Fine understanding of animal behavior and genetics thanks to many years in a veterinary office, in particular with difficult cases from animal protection, as well as an active passion for defensive dog sports. Personal commitment: Experienced owner of cats from shelters and a second-hand Hound dog. Volunteer support for the placement of shelter animals in Germany, as well as the identification (chipping) and voluntary care of stray cats, which underlines her personal commitment to animal protection and breed issues.

Discover more

More from this author ...

Sacred Birman Insurance: Why HCM, PKD and MPS-VI Form a Distinct Risk Profile in the Temple Cat

The Sacred Birman – also called Birman or "Heilige Birma" – is one of the most mystical semi-longhair cats in the world. With its sapphire-blue eyes, silky fur and characteristic white "gloves" on its paws, it embodies elegance and gentleness. An ancient legend connects it with Buddhist temples in Burma (today Myanmar), where it is said to have been venerated as a sacred temple cat. Historically documented is the targeted breeding from the early 20th century in France, with official recognition in 1925. With a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years – some even reaching 20 years and beyond – the Birman is a long-lived companion. But owners should be aware of three breed-typical inherited diseases: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VI (MPS-VI). All three are excluded from insurance as congenital/inherited conditions. That is why buying a kitten from a reputable breeder with examination certificates is decisive for a long, healthy Birman life. This page shows you what really characterises the Birman medically – and how to optimally protect them at Dalma.

Savannah Insurance: Why the Generation (F1–F7) Determines Legal Status and Insurability

The Savannah is one of the most extraordinary cat breeds: it originated in 1986 from crossing an African Serval with a domestic cat. The result is a slender, tall-legged cat with large ears, spotted fur and jumping power of over two metres. But the Savannah is not just a cat – it is a hybrid breed whose legal status, physical characteristics and insurability differ significantly from generation to generation. The filial system (F1, F2, F3 …) describes how far genetically a Savannah is from the Serval. An F1 has a Serval as father (50% wild blood content), an F2 a Serval as grandfather (25%), an F5 only about 3%. In Germany, Savannahs of generations F1 to F4 are considered wildlife and fall under the Federal Mammal Expert Opinion – with strict requirements such as outdoor enclosures from 50 m² and 2.5 m height. Only from the F5 generation are Savannahs legally domestic cats. This page shows you which generation falls into which insurance and housing reality – and how to optimally protect your Savannah.

Persian Cat Insurance: Why Senior Musculoskeletal Treatments Cost up to €11,862

The Persian cat, with its dense long-haired coat and characteristically flat face, is one of the most well-known cat breeds worldwide. It is considered calm, affectionate and home-oriented. But behind the majestic appearance lies a clear medical profile: brachycephaly and genetic predispositions shape the disease pattern, and the financial peaks are among the highest in our database. Our claims data from 97 cases shows musculoskeletal issues dominate at 36.1% of all cases with a maximum payout of €11,862 – the absolute peak in our entire cat database. In seniors, musculoskeletal treatments reach avg. €5,993 per case – a clear signal for complex orthopaedic procedures in old age. Gastrointestinal diseases (avg. €559 per case) and skin conditions (facial fold pyoderma, avg. €458) are also frequent topics. Over a Persian's lifetime (12–16 years), veterinary costs of €8,000 to €18,000 can accumulate. This page shows you, based on 97 documented claims, which costs actually arise and how to protect yourself.

Digital Pet Health Insurance Comparison: Telemedicine, App and Therapy Freedom

More and more pet owners expect their pet health insurance to work as digitally as everything else in their lives: submit invoices via app, get reimbursed to their bank account, reach a vet via video – without forms, without postal mail. At the same time, there are two crucial differences that often get overlooked. First: with some providers, telemedicine is a voluntary bonus service, while with others it is a prerequisite for full reimbursement. Second: with many competitors, full telemedicine access is tied to the comprehensive plan (Krankenversicherung) – those with a surgery-only plan (OP-Versicherung) get limited or no free access. Dalma stands for unconditional therapy freedom: you receive your chosen reimbursement rate (80% or 100%) regardless of whether you used a video consultation beforehand. And telemedicine via FirstVet is included free and unlimited in every plan – including the standalone surgery insurance.