Cat Cremation – Memorialize With Love
♥ What You Should Know About Choosing Cat Cremation ♥
Cat cremation is a subject close to my heart. It’s personal. Raw and real. This post isn’t easy for me to do, but I know that so many of you are facing this heart wrenching decision in your own lives just as I did.
First and foremost, I want to say to you, if you have just faced or are soon to face the loss of your pet, I am so deeply sorry. My heart goes out to you in a way that I can not even begin to express. In all sincerity, I am sending you all the love and hugs I can.
I know this is a very difficult and sensitive subject. I wish saying goodbye to a beloved pet was never a reality, but sadly, it is. My hope is to present this with dignity and grace.
My Story of Choosing Cat Cremation
In July 2013, my whole world changed. Many people will find that to be overly dramatic, but it isn’t. My cat Sugar, aka “Shug” was one of a kind. She lit my world up with such love and happiness, compassion and pure joy. Her intelligence and understanding never ceased to amaze me.
Shug was born with feline leukemia (FeLV). Despite this, I was able to keep her extremely healthy. Her life was full, vibrant and filled with spoils fit for “the Queen.” 🙂 It took a lot of caution and care with her FeLV+ status but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
During a visit with a local (rude, callous and pompous) Vet, a fatal choice was made by him. The Vet overdosed her on a drug and it was more than her body could handle.
She went into a state of shock, her organs began to shut down and within a couple of days, I had lost her. The highly specialized emergency clinic tried to save her but it was too late.
As I held Shug in my arms, absolutely devastated and broken, I knew then that I didn’t just want to bury her as all the other beloved pets had been. She was different and I wanted to keep her with us, even if we moved.
That’s why I chose cremation. I was completely unfamiliar with the process, where to go or what to do. So let me help you now that I’ve been through it.
I am writing this post on cat cremation to honor Shug and all of the much loved and adored cats we have enjoyed so much. It is a deeply personal story for me and I hope that it helps you on your journey.
Cost of Cat Cremation
The cost of cat cremation varies depending on where you go, where you live, what additional options you might choose, as well as whether or not you would like to have a professional memorial service.
The cost involved when I had Shug cremated was under $200. As you can see in the photo above, I chose a beautiful “rainbow bridge” urn for her as well, which was included in the cost.
Here are more detailed photos of the urn (which may also be available to you at your location)
3 Types of Pet Cremation
Most places offer 3 options for pet cremation: communal, partitioned or private.
1.Communal is exactly as it sounds. Your pet will be cremated with other pets. Choosing this option usually indicates you will not receive your pet’s ashes after cremation is performed.
The pet crematorium, veterinarian office or funeral home will dispose of the ashes on their grounds. This is the least expensive option with an average cost range under $100. (Typical is $30 to $50). If you do not wish to bury your pet and would not like to bring him/her home with you, this is the option to choose.
2. Partitioned is the middle range of cost and is a combination of the other forms of cremation combined. There will still be other pets in the incinerator at the same time as yours, as it is with communal. This practice however involves putting space and objects (partition) in between the animals to attempt keeping the remains separate.
Reputable crematories do try and use care when cremating your deceased four-legged family member but sadly, not all will. There is no guarantee others’ cremains won’t be mingled with yours. Cost is typically $150 or less with the average being around $75 to $100.
Private cremation is the best option for most pet parents. If you should choose to, some establishments will even allow you to witness a private cremation. Your cat will be placed in its own incinerator container with little to no chance of mixing cremains.
I chose this option for Shug but I did not opt to watch the cremation. It would have been entirely too painful for me personally. But that is a personal choice. For many, it helps with the grief process.
The average cost associated with private cremation is $100 to $300 but your location plays a significant role in expense. Some cities charge considerably more for this service, so please be sure and check around for more options if your budget is limited.
Additional Options
Many places offering cat cremation also offer additional ways for you to honor and memorialize your beloved friend. These include plaques, photo keepsakes, special urns, services and more.
In my case for Shug, I had a plaque made which is kept next to her picture…
Specially engraved plaques, like the one above, to display next to the urn are a sweet way to say “I love you and I miss you.”
Some special souls also created Cat Memorial Urn Jewelry. These beautiful stainless steel necklaces (in various colors) have screw holes so that you can easily add your cat’s ashes and keep them near your heart always. There is even a spot for your pet’s photo in the locket as well. I know this may not be for everyone but I personally think it’s very sweet.
If necklaces aren’t for you, they also offer memorial key-chains for cremains of your pet. This is an inexpensive way to remember them always. Truly, there are endless options available to choose from.
Who Offers Cat Cremation?
There are more places offering pet cremation than you might expect. I personally live in a very rural area and was able to find a funeral home offering this service.
Googling “pet cremation near me” will offer you some valuable insight into places in your vicinity that might be able to help you.
If you are currently working with a local Vet, be sure to call their office and inquire about who they partner with for their cremations. You may or may not be interested in working with them as well.
Another option would be to call (or visit) one of your local funeral homes and speak with them about options they might provide. Not all funeral homes are equipped to handle pets. Much like the Vet’s office, they should be able to recommend someone who does.
Regardless of where you go, be sure that it is somewhere you feel cared for and respected. Losing a pet is losing a family member. Anyone who doesn’t understand your loss has no business receiving your money.
Grief & Support
Grief & support are 2 very important factors to mention in an article like this.
Your grief is real and you should definitely acknowledge it. Reaching out and receiving support are critical. Your loss is very real and your pain is understandable.
Don’t go through this alone. If you don’t have someone there for you where you are, reach out online. Many places offer compassionate understanding during your difficult time. If the cremation service you choose can not connect you with a grief support group, below are some options online.
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
- Pet Loss Support Groups by State
- Rainbows Bridge Grief Support
- Pet Loss Support
- Best Friends Resources
You’ll Make The Right Choice
You wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t love your cat. I know you will make the right choice for you and your kiddo. Trust that.
Did this article help you? Did it answer some questions for you and give you some ideas as to ways you can memorialize your furchild?
Please let me know if it did or if you have any other questions I might be able to answer for you.
Again, my heart is with you – I am so so sorry. (hug)
Please share this article if you have found it valuable, or if you know someone who is going through this process. Thank you!
We creamated our precious pup Little Bit. Our vet was so helpful with the process. We went private too. We visit her urn often and chat to her. Such a comfort to us.
Have a great day and weekend, Holly. 😎
Aw Sandee, so sorry to hear about Little Bit. Such a cute name!
Yeah, some vets are amazingly helpful and will work through the whole process with you. Others, not so much. I’m grateful yours was comforting for you through it all.
Thank you so much for coming by and commenting. <3 Enjoy your weekend!
We cremated our 2 cats (Mr. M’Now & Smokey) and have their boxes on our shelf.
Our youngest cat went into depression when they died. So we got two more.
Our young cat (Mimi) is happy again 🙂
So sorry for my delay, Michelle. Your comment somehow got caught up in spam. A lot are doing that 🙁
I love those names! (Mr. M’Now and Smokey) but am so sorry you lost them! They really are our kids and losing them is horribly painful.
I’m thankful Mimi is recovering from her sadness too. Sounds like she’s a handfull! I’m not sure people realize just how much animals grieve too. It’s heartwarming in a way. They have emotions just the same as us! Plus they know how we are feeling and understood your sadness. <3
Hopefully everyone is doing really well & having a great time as a family. I'd love to hear your stories 🙂
Thank you so much for taking your time to come by & comment. Means so much! Hope you will come again!
Awwww ☹️ I’m so sorry to hear that. Many hugs to you, Holly ❤️
You are so sweet!! Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. Many hugs to you as well. Hope you are enjoying your weekend 🙂
It’s my pleasure!! Thank you! Yeah, happy that the weekend’s here. Hope you have a fabulous weekend too! 🙂
I am so sorry. Losing a pet is heartbreaking, gut-wrenching and I don’t think you ever don’t feel that loss. I lost my dog over 5 years ago, but it still brings tears to my eyes thinking of him. I dread the day I lose my cat, who has become the surprise addition to the family. You have covered this incredibly well with such compassion, making it not just very helpful with useful advice, but wonderfully supportive, too. xxxx
I am so sorry to hear of the loss with your dog. Believe me when I say that I know exactly what you mean. I had tears in my eyes as I wrote that post just thinking about her. They are family and their loss is profound. Sorry you had to go through it 🙁
Your words of encouragement really touched my heart. I am so very grateful to hear my intent conveyed well. Thank you so much for commenting! <3
Today marks one year ago we had to cremate our little kitty. He was just shy of two years old. He got out when we opened the front door. He was missing a few days and we searched for him. I thought when I found him he would be fine. There was a man from animal control and a local police officer. They were both kind and gracious and helped me get to the animal hospital. Having to make a snap decision is one of the hardest in my life. I never thought I would have to. It was nice to get out kitties paw print and ashes afterwards. That made us feel good. Even getting a card in the mail from the vet about our loss showed us their care and compassion. Especially after all we spent for the emergency visit and his cremation services. When you know you need to plan it or it happens out of no where it is still hard and costly. It can easily be taken advantage of. Good to get info from others.
Aw! God bless your heart! I am so sorry you had to go through such a terribly painful experience!!
I am pleased to hear that the vet and officers were kind to you and helped support you through it all. What a difference that makes, even if it doesn’t stop the pain.
I completely agree – planning ahead and knowing all you can is a huge help. Those snap decisions, as you mentioned, are so terribly difficult to make.
I am sending you tons of love and my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Thank you! ❤️
I’m so sorry! It’s so hard to lose a pet because they are just like family! I lost my cat Sam at the end of last year and I was devastated. He had been with me for 14 years. I woke up to find him in his little corner in the dining room. I’m sure he went peacefully in his sleep, but it still tore me apart. I wish that I would have thought to have him cremated.
Hi Michelle, so sorry for my delay. Your comment mistakenly got caught in the spam trap and I didn’t see it until just now. Not sure why that’s happening.
Your story broke my heart. My sincerest sympathies go out to you for the loss of Sam. It is not an experience I would wish on anyone! 14 years – bless his heart. I bet he is forever cherished in your heart and you can remember so many great memories. ♥
I am genuinely sorry for what you had to go through. But I am grateful you took the time to share this with me. Thank you so much. I hope we will see you here again! You are always welcome 🙂 Have a beautiful day, Michelle!
It’s ok! I’m having to check my spam folder every day! It’s driving me crazy. 😀 Thank you for your kind words! 💕
I know what you mean! Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be sure and check mine more often, that’s for sure.
Have a blessed day, Michelle. Come again ♥
In tears reading this. My cat was cremated also. I cried more at the loss of my Snuggles than people I lost.
(hug) I am so sorry for the loss of Snuggles. And trust me, I know exactly what you are speaking of! Oh goodness, the pain it creates in your heart! Unbelievable. They become our kids.
Sending lots of love your way <3
Thank you and hugs to you also.
Yes, they truly do.
We have 2 cats… our kids. I find it hard to think about their passing but take comfort in knowing that there are ways to remember them through cremation. Thanks for explaining the options, Holly.
Aw Christy! I bet your kiddos are adorable! 🙂
You are welcome for this post. As you said, this is never a subject we want to think about. But there truly are some wonderful ways to say I love you, even when you’re no longer by my side.
Thank you for coming by and commenting! Hope we will see you again 🙂
😀❤🙏Thank you so much for following my site!!😍💕 God bless you!!!
You are welcome sweetie. Thank you for following mine as well <3 God bless you!
😍👦😀
Our pets are everything,m aren’t they. I have a couple of doggies cremated and I have decided to let them go in the wind and run free. We have a wonderful property and their spirits will have a blast.
Our pets really are our children! So sorry to hear of your loss as well! I’m sure they were and are very loved <3 Thank you so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts!
What a sweet site! I will have to come back and visit again. Your article on cremation grabbed at my heart-strings. I think cremation is a good choice if you can afford it. However you handle the remains, it is still devastating to lose a furry family member. I am still grieving for my Carlos, but at least I now have a kitty who needs love. He helps fill the void. Yes, they are our children, and we grieve accordingly.
Hi Fran! Great to see you here! 🙂 Please do come back & visit anytime! You are always welcome.
It breaks my heart for you, the loss of Carlos. Those extra special cats who we grow incredibly close to just leave a huge hole in our hearts when they’re gone. I’m so sorry (hug) I am grateful to hear you have a new kitty who you can love & who can love on you. Makes all the difference ♥
Thanks for taking your time to stop in and share your thoughts. 🙂
Nice article here, i remember my cat named arthur. it was so sad that he died because of poisoning by eating moth balls. And i went to Pet Cremation Houston facility to avail cremation for him. i hope i didn’t place that mothballs there below my bed where he usually hides.
Oh no Michael. I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss of Arthur! I am sending you tons of thoughts and prayers. Losing a pet, especially in an unexpected case like yours, is incredibly heartbreaking.
Even if you had placed those moth balls there – you had no way of knowing sweet Arthur would get in to them. I’m so sorry.
I pray that the pet cremation Houston facility responded to you with love and care. Again, I am so sorry! 🧡