How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Cat?

As a cat owner, you probably don't want to think about what you'll have to do when your loving companion comes to the end of his life. But once the end approaches, you may start to wonder how you should take care of your cat's remains in a fiscally and environmentally responsible way. Cremation may be the answer you are looking for.

  1. Convenience of the Veterinarian's Office

    • Some larger pet hospitals--where your cat may be spending her final day if her condition requires euthanasia--may have on-site cremation facilities. Smaller vets will probably send a deceased cat out to a cremation service if you request the option after he is put to sleep. According to the New York ASCPA's website, a pet hospital with an on-site crematorium charges $50 per animal.

    Pet Cremation Service

    • Pet cremation has become its own separate business and is a popular way to memorialize your cat. Prices for cat cremation vary from $90 to $130 or more, depending on the area of the country, if pick up by the company is involved, and whether you pay for an urn (another $25) or other mementos such as paw prints.

    Is Cremation Less Expensive Than Burial?

    • If you have your own land, you are generally permitted to bury your cat in the ground, but make sure the ground isn't too hard before you attempt it. You don't want other animals digging up the remains if they are near the surface. Compared to the option of a free home burial, cremation will always be more expensive but at least you don't have to worry about decomposition.

    Pet Cemeteries

    • The most expensive burial option is a pet cemetery, which may charge $500 for a space for a small animal such as a cat, plus the cost of a $90 casket, according to petguardian.com. The advantage of a pet cemetery is that even if you move, you'll be able to visit your cat's grave to remember the good times you shared. Pet cemeteries also accept cremated remains.

    Remember the Good Times

    • For many people, the method of burial is less important than the fond memories of the time you spent with your cat while he was alive. If you are one of these people, the least expensive option if you can't dig a grave on your own property is communal cremation, which may cost as little as $25 at an animal control facility.