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After a cat’s death, several decisions must be made, including what to do with their body. Planning ahead is vital, and 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. But how much does it cost to have a cat cremated? Depending on the type of cremation, it can cost between $30–$250.
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. It allows grieving pet parents to celebrate their cat’s life later when some of the deep grief has passed.
How Much Does Cat Cremation Cost?
Most pet crematoria offer several options, including individual, private, and communal cremations. For private cremations, only one animal is in the chamber. With individual cremations, pets’ ashes remain separate, but multiple animals are 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 cost $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 and $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 their body to the crematorium yourself. Otherwise, expect to pay a transportation fee. Several beautiful pet urns are 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 designs, 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. 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 over $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 the facilities and make arrangements yourself. If your pet dies at home, you can 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 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. However, most facilities will arrange for your pet’s ashes to be delivered directly to your home for a fee.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Cat Cremation?
Pet accident and illness insurance protects pet parents from major unexpected veterinary expenses, but most exclude routine care from coverage. Some insurers include euthanasia in their accident and illness pet plans, but most don’t cover cremation or burial expenses.
However, 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.
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 contacting 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 picture frames, print a few photos, and give your cat a place of honor on the wall.
Conclusion
Most cat parents choose to cremate their feline companions, and it’s the simplest option. Veterinary practices often have agreements with crematoria, making the process much easier on grieving pet parents. Cat cremations 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
