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How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Cat – 2024 Update

Written by: Lorre Luther

Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cremated remains of a pet cat

How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Cat – 2024 Update

After a cat’s death, several decisions must be made, including what to do with their body. Planning ahead is key, as the overwhelming grief after a companion animal’s death often makes good decision-making difficult. While it’s possible to bury a pet, cremation tends to be the most commonly selected option. It’s affordable and usually simple to arrange through your pet’s veterinarian.

But you’ll still need to let the veterinarian or crematorium know if you want your pet to be cremated individually or communally. You’ll also need to decide what you’d like your pet’s ashes placed in. Understanding your choices and making a few decisions now will let you focus on your cat without distraction during your final moments together. Depending on the type of cremation, it can cost between $30–$250.

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The Importance of Cremating Your Cat

Cats are members of our families, and we need to make arrangements for their remains, just like we do for our human loved ones. While cremation is not the only option, pet owners most commonly choose it due to several factors, including the lack of pet cemeteries. With only 200 or so pet cemeteries operating in the United States, it can be difficult to find an appropriate option close to your home.

While it’s often possible to bury a pet in your backyard, there are often local ordinances that restrict the practice. Cremation is usually arranged through veterinarians, so it’s often the least stressful choice. And it allows grieving pet parents to celebrate their cat’s life later when some of the deep grief has passed.

cremation for pets
Image Credit; Igor Sokolov (breeze), Shutterstock

How Much Does Cat Cremation Cost?

Most pet crematoria offer several options, including individual, private, and communal cremations. Only one animal is in the cremation chamber for private cremations. With individual cremations, pets’ ashes remain separate, but there are multiple animals in the chamber at the same time.

Communal cremations include multiple animals, and individual ashes can’t be returned. Some crematoria permit cats to be cremated along with their favorite blankets, beds, and toys. A few allow beloved humans to be present during their cat’s cremation. Private cremations often range from $175–$250, but not all facilities offer this service. It generally costs around $100–$200 to cremate a cat individually. Communal cremations run between $30–$70. Aquamations cost about the same amount as cremations.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

Unfortunately, there are a few additional cremation-related costs that sometimes crop up. If your pet dies at home, you can always bring its body to the crematorium yourself. Otherwise, expect to pay a transportation fee.

There are several beautiful pet urns available if you’re interested in purchasing a receptacle for your cat’s ashes. You can spend as little as $25 or more than $500, depending on what you choose. Personalized urns made of precious metals are more expensive than simple options. But you’re not obligated to use an urn provided by the crematorium. Many facilities are more than happy to return your cat’s ashes in a receptacle that you provide. And most will return your companion’s ashes in a simple cardboard or metal box if you don’t purchase an urn or provide an alternative.

Many crematoria offer pet parents the opportunity to buy commemorative objects to remember and honor companion animals. Popular options include nose/paw print jewelry and artwork. Memorial products are available in various price ranges, from $25 for a simple ink print of your cat’s nose to more than $400 for golden paw print pendants.

What Do I Need to Do to Arrange for My Cat’s Cremation?

Many veterinarians have arrangements with pet crematoria, simplifying the entire process. You can discuss your choices with the staff, and they’ll take care of the rest, including transporting your pet to the crematorium. But you can always contact facilities and arrange things on your own. If your pet dies at home, you can either contact your veterinarian and let them handle the details or take care of the arrangements yourself.

Depending on how your pet is transported to the crematorium, you’ll either provide information about how to cremate your pet directly to your veterinarian or the facility. You can usually pick up your pet’s ashes from the crematorium or veterinarian after 2 or 3 days. But most facilities will arrange for your pet’s ashes to be delivered directly to your home for a fee.

Orange cat sleeping

Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Cremation?

It depends. Pet accident and illness insurance protects pet parents from major unexpected veterinary expenses, but most exclude routine care from coverage. Some major insurers include euthanasia in their accident and illness pet plans, but most don’t cover cremation or burial expenses.

But there are exceptions, including Lemonade and Pumpkin. Pumpkin’s standard plan covers euthanasia and cremation but excludes items such as urns and memorials. Lemonade offers an end-of-life and remembrance add-on that pays for euthanasia, cremation, urns, and some memorial items. Wellness plans generally don’t reimburse for cremation expenses.

pet insurance coverage
Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock

Ways to Honor Your Cat

Most crematoria have a selection of personalized memorial options you can purchase, including paw/nose print jewelry and decorative items, but you can also create your own memorials.

If you’re interested in jewelry featuring your cat’s ashes or just a design that reminds you of their love, consider reaching out to a local gold or silversmith who can work with you to create something unique that celebrates the special bond you had with your cat.

Plant flowers or vegetables if the season is right, and remember your pet with love when the plants bloom. You can also buy some picture frames, print a few photos, and give your cat a place of honor on the wall.

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Conclusion

Most cat parents choose to cremate their feline companions, and it’s often the simplest option. Veterinary practices often have agreements with crematoria, making the process much easier on grieving pet parents. Cremations generally cost $30–$250 depending on whether a private, individual, or communal option is chosen. Expect to pay extra for special urns and memorial items. Alternatively, most pet crematoria are happy to accommodate urns and boxes provided by owners.


Featured Image Credit: umaruchan4678, Shutterstock

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