We’ve all heard there’s a crisis in America because 44 million people don’t have health insurance. "People are one catastrophic illness away from bankruptcy," we’re told.

But what about cats? The Mad Scientist Network (www.madsci.org) reports that in the year 2000, there were 65 million housecats. Imagine how many of them are without health insurance?

Fortunately, there are plenty of health insurance options for feline companions. There’s no "public option," but the private insurers have no problem sitting back on their haunches and begging. (After signing up for a free quote with the ASPCA, I received a phone call within minutes with a saleswoman ready to sign me up.)

I checked out several companies online that allowed me to get a quick quote for Al, a 5-year-old neutered male indoor-only mixed-breed domestic shorthair. He’s never been sick and has no pre-existing conditions. (Yes, even pet health insurance companies deny coverage.)

There are basic policies for about $12 a month that cover virtually nothing, and policies for $60 a month and more that help defray the costs of accidents, illnesses and "wellness" services. You can buy extra coverage for burial and cremation, acupuncture and more.

Part of the pet insurance Web sites’ sales pitches includes lists of "typical" costs of treating various injuries and illnesses. Supposedly, treating a cat’s broken leg would cost an uninsured pet parent $2,309 (http://www.sheltercare.com). No way. I paid less than $200 to have my cat Slash’s leg set in 2001.

Would I buy health insurance for my cats? Not a chance. But for fun, check out the following sites:

• Shelter Care
• Pet Care (this is the same as Shelter Care)
• VPI Pet Insurance
• ASPCA Health Insurance