Angelina Mutch, a full-time carer from Stonehaven, has two cats - and both are insured with Direct Line.

Heartbeat has been with the family for nearly six years and was chosen by her son, Ben, who is nine. Angelina says: "My son is autistic and pets can help autistic children. Ben picked Heartbeat because he said she made his heart beat with love - that's how she got her name."

Angelina, 47, recently put in a claim on her pet insurance after Heartbeat swallowed part of a plastic bag. The vet had to operate and the bill came to more than £2000. She says. "The company organised everything and there were no quibbles about the cost."

A kitten called Kyan has recently joined the family and is also on the policy. "Ben wanted some company for Heartbeat, so we now have another pet."