Cat Cremation FAQs—Is It Right for You?
Published July 25, 2022.
Losing a pet cat can be just as heartbreaking as losing a human loved one. We grow with them and share special bonds, memories, and milestones with our feline companions and when it's their time to leave us, we often feel that a special part of our hearts leaves with them. One way of ensuring that your pet cat remains with you even after they have passed is to have their bodies cremated and their ashes kept.
The Cat Cremation Process Explained
The process of cremation begins by taking your cat to the crematorium. Most crematoriums allow the owner to bring their pet in themselves, or you can arrange a pickup for them (likely at an extra cost).
When it is time for their service, the body is placed in the cremation chamber and exposed to extreme temperatures of 1,400 - 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This breaks down the body to dust and remaining bone which is then ground down to a gritty sand-like substance. The ashes are then returned to the owner in a temporary container.
This process will likely take 30 minutes to an hour.
Types of Cat Cremation
The types of cat cremation options depend on the crematorium you choose. However, these are the most common:
- Private cremation This particular type of cremation allows your cat to be cremated on their own, in a private chamber. This ensures that the ashes you receive are only that of your cat.
- Communal cremation Your cat will be cremated in a chamber with other pets. This is quite a common choice as it is a cheaper option but it does mean that your cat's ashes can be mixed with other pets' ashes in the chamber.
- Witness cremations This allows the owners to witness the cremation process from a designated viewing room. This is a heartfelt option that may ease the pain by seeing their beloved pet being handled with respect.
Cost of Cat Cremation
The cost of cat cremation depends on the type of cremation you choose:
- Private cremation: $100-200
- Communal cremation: $30-70
- Witnessing cremation: the cost of the cremation with an additional $20-60 fee
Cat Cremation Facilities
Your beloved cat can be cremated at a pet crematorium, which is the same as a typical crematorium used for humans. Sometimes, crematoriums do both human and pet cremations, although there are many crematoriums out there that cater only to animals. You can also take your cat to your local veterinary hospital as they may have their own incinerator to do the cremation on sight, or they may have a relationship with a nearby crematorium.
Can Cats Be Cremated at Home?
If taking your cat to a crematorium is too costly, or if you'd simply like to care for your deceased feline companion yourself, you can prepare a home cremation. The most important factor here is making sure that you have a large enough area outside to have open flames and that you keep yourself and your neighbors safe.
While there are many people who frown upon the idea, it is completely legal to cremate your cat on your own, and comes down to personal preference. If you feel that this is the right choice for you, then there is no one who can tell you otherwise.
What to Do With Cat Cremation Ashes
Cremation definitely does not mean the end of your beloved fur-ball. Once you have your cat's cremated ashes, there are many special options for ashes available to you when honoring your pet. Here are some of those options:
- Keep their ashes in pet urns These can be kept around the house as a reminder of them and their special time in your life. There are many purposes to a pet urn, making this option a favorable choice.
- Scatter your cat's ashes somewhere special This can bring about peace for many people who may be battling with their grief.
- Use their ashes to grow a memorial tree Who wouldn't want a tall luscious tree to remember their cat by?
- Turn their ashes into pottery Some companies will take your cat's ashes and use them in the clay when making a pottery piece.
No matter what you choose, your beloved cat will always remain with you in heart and spirit and you will always be the one who gave them a bountiful life and endless cuddles.
