How Much Is It to Cremate a Cat
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Have you just experienced the death of a pet ? Your grief may seem insurmountable as you research cat cremation or prepare for your dog's funeral .
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Cat Cremation Process
- What's the Average Cost of a Cat Cremation?
- What Can You Do with the Cat's Ashes After Cremation?
Find a friend for support, grab a tissue, and we'll gently walk you through cat cremation. Here's what to expect when your feline friend is cremated. Plus, we'll go over the ways you can commemorate your cat.
Cat Cremation Process
Whether you just lost your pet or you are pre-planning for the death of your cat, here is the general process of planning for a cat cremation.
1. Decide what you want from the crematorium
Before you begin your search for a crematorium, consider these questions:
- Do you want to be present when your cat is cremated? Or are you okay if it's done in your absence?
- Do you want to have your cat's cremains returned to you?
- Do you want a private cremation so that you can receive the cremains from your pet alone?
- How much are you willing to pay to have your pet cremated?
The answer to these questions will determine what type of crematorium you choose. Some areas have pet crematoriums that allow you and your family to be present in a private viewing room.
On the other end of the spectrum, some animal control facilities run by the local government will cremate your pet for you for a small fee. If you choose a lower-priced option, you may not receive your animal's ashes.
2. Search for a pet crematorium near you
There are several ways you can find a pet crematorium near you.
Reach out to your veterinarian for a recommendation. Your vet may use a specific service when he or she is paid to euthanize an ailing animal. Your vet may also be able to tell you which places to avoid. Vets are very familiar with the local industry and which companies have good and bad reputations.
Search the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories for a facility near you. Keep in mind, this website will direct you to facilities accredited by this specific association. Many companies throughout the country and world aren't listed on this website.
You can also use Google to your advantage. Search "pet cremation near me" and see what facilities appear on the first page of your search.
3. Decide what you want to do with the ashes if you have them returned to you after the cremation
You may not need your cat's ashes back once your pet dies. If that's the case, you may be able to find a place that will cremate your pet relatively inexpensively.
You'll obviously need to find a facility that promises to return them to you if you want them back.
What's the Average Cost of a Cat Cremation?
The cost of a cat cremation can range between $25 and $350. The cost varies depending on the services you receive.
For example, you'll pay more to be present during a private cremation compared to having your pet cremated by animal control.
Having your pet cremated at the same time as other animals is also another way to save money on the process. Of course, this means that the cremains you receive may not be just your pet's remains.
You may be able to hire a veterinarian who will come to your home and euthanize your pet. From there, the veterinarian will make sure the pet receives a private cremation. The cremains will be returned to you, as well as a paw print and hair clipping. These services may cost up to $500 plus the cost of travel.
Unfortunately, there is no way to ultimately ensure you'll receive the cremains of your particular pet unless you are present during the cremation. Visit the facility first if this concerns you. Talk with management and get a feel for how the cremation process works at that facility.
What Can You Do with the Cat's Ashes After Cremation?
Now that you've received your pet's cremains, what should you do with them? This is a common question for anyone who has lost a pet, and here are some options.
Cat cremation urns
You may want to keep the cremains of your cat in an urn. Create a display in your home with the container, your cat's collar, a photo, and a favorite toy.
You can also purchase biodegradable urns for your cat's remains. Consider burying the urn with a tree or bush to give you a place to visit whenever you want to feel close to your pet.
Concerned about having a permanent resting spot for your cat? Search your area for pet columbarium niches. These are often located at pet cemeteries and your pet's urn will be kept there for eternity.
Scattering ashes
Many people choose to scatter the ashes of beloved pets. This process can be very meaningful and should not be looked at as just a convenient disposal method.
Consider gathering a few friends or family members to assist you as you scatter the ashes. Read a poem, play a song, or say a few touching words about your pet.
Choose a location that is important to you or was important to your animal. Pick a place that you can easily visit.
Keepsakes
Do a simple online search to find lots of companies that can create items from cremated remains.
- Jewelry can be created to store a small bit of your pet's cremated remains. Some companies incorporate the remains into the jewelry itself. Others, like Eterneva , allow you to send in your cat's cremated remains and will turn them into customize memorial diamonds.
- Have a suncatcher made or another decorative item made of glass.
- Consider checking out Etsy stores. Artists can create customized pieces.
- Turn your cat's ashes into cremation stones you can hold in your hand, with Parting Stone.
Creative ways to commemorate your pet
You can use the cremains of your pet in other, very creative ways:
- You can have the cremains incorporated into fireworks and host a display.
- Did your cat love watching your fish tank? Consider adding your cat's remains to a coral reef.
- Your cat's remains can be made into ink. The ink can be used to tattoo your pet's image or name on your body. Or you could hire an artist to paint a portrait of your cat using the ink.
Remembering Your Cat
If you choose to keep the remains of your cat, either in an urn or a piece of jewelry, consider what will happen to the item when you die. You may want to mention your cat's cremains in your will.
Besides thinking about what will happen to your pet after you die , you may need to consider your own wishes. Use Cake to start your own end-of-life planning.
Sources
- "Euthenasia and Cremation Services." Animal Services of Plano, Texas. www.plano.gov/232/Euthanasia-Cremation-Services .
- "FAQs." International Association Of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories. www.iaopc.com/page/faq .
How Much Is It to Cremate a Cat
Source: https://www.joincake.com/blog/cat-cremation/