Losing a beloved pet is a heart-wrenching experience for any animal lover. And when it comes time to lay your furry companion to rest, it can be difficult to deal with the logistics and tough decisions associated with end-of-life situations while simultaneously mourning your pet. That’s why we created this guide for cat lovers who have lost their feline friend and need help navigating the cremation process.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of choices available for your cat’s final disposition, including burial and cremation options. We’ll also examine some of the factors that influence cat cremation prices and fees and address common concerns about the process. By gaining an in-depth understanding of the options available, you can feel confident in the decisions you make for your cat and hopefully relieve some of the stress and complication from an already difficult time.
The cost of cat cremation
If you decide to cremate your cat, there are a number of factors to consider, and costs can vary widely depending on what you choose to do. Your location, the type of cremation method you select, and any additional services you require will all affect the final price. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 to $250 for cat cremation. Here are a few of the factors that may influence the price:
Types of pet cremation
There are two main types of pet cremation: communal cremation and private cremation. Communal cremation is less expensive and involves cremating multiple pets together. The ashes are usually not returned to the cat owner, which minimizes the cost to around $50 to $100.
Private cremation is more expensive because it involves cremating your cat individually. However, this cremation process ensures that you will receive only your pet's ashes, and many crematoriums include a small urn in which to deliver the ashes. The price of private cremation ranges between $100 to $250, depending on the provider.
Some crematoriums may also offer semi-private cremation, where barriers are placed between pets in the same furnace, allowing you to keep your animal's ashes separate so they can be gathered and given to you.
Location
The cost of cat cremation may vary depending on where you live. Urban areas with a higher cost of living generally have higher veterinary prices compared to rural areas, including cremation services. To find the best option for your budget, you can call local facilities and crematoriums or talk to your veterinarian to make sure you get the services you want for a price you can afford.
Additional services
Many crematoriums have a number of additional offerings available for purchase, such as funeral services, decorative urns, and memorial keepsakes. Some may even have packages that include these extras or have options for them to be purchased separately.
Is it better to cremate or bury your cat?
Deciding whether to cremate or bury your cat is a deeply personal choice that may depend on your cultural beliefs, personal preferences, location, and financial situation. But while there are a variety of things to think about when making your decision, it is ultimately up to you. Here are a few factors to consider:
Space and Mobility
One advantage of cremation is that it doesn't require a physical burial plot. This can be an important factor for those who live in urban areas, rent property, or have limited space. If you elect to cremate your cat, you can easily keep their ashes in an urn in your home, scatter them in a meaningful place, or incorporate them into a memorial item or arrangement.
Environmental Impact
Cremation also has a smaller environmental footprint than burial, as it doesn't require land or embalming chemicals. On the other hand, there are energy consumption and emission concerns associated with cremation chambers. If environmental factors are important to you, you may consider choosing a crematory that uses eco-friendly practices and products or opting for a “green burial” if you prefer a more natural approach.
Cost
As mentioned earlier, pet cremation prices can range between $50 to $250. Alternatively, burial costs can be a lot more expensive, depending on the location of the plot and how elaborate the casket, memorial marker, or headstone are. On average, pet burial can range from $400 up to $1,000 or more, making cremation a far more budget-friendly option in most cases.
Memorialization
Both pet cremation and burial offer various memorialization options. If you bury your cat in a pet cemetery, you can create a place to visit them and reflect on your time together. With cremation, you can use their ashes for a variety of memorial options. You can plant a tree that incorporates the ashes, or incorporate your beloved cat into personalized memorial keepsakes that you can carry with you.
Transforming your cat into a diamond
At Eterneva, we specialize in creating diamonds from the ashes of your loved ones, including your remarkable feline buddy. Imagine carrying your little one with you wherever you go, a gorgeous glittering diamond serving as a reminder and symbol of the snuggles, lap-sits, and chin rubs you shared with them. It can also be an effective transformational part of the cremation process, turning the grief of losing your pet into a source of comfort and a spark of memory to keep with you going forward.
