How Much to Cremate a Cat? How Does it Work?
Cat cremation is an excellent way of saying goodbye to your beloved pet cat. It is a relatively inexpensive option for cremation your little friend, and the ashes are usually returned to you in about two weeks.
Cremation can cost anywhere from $30-$200 at most places, depending on what extras are added on, such as the return of the ashes, a nicer urn, etc. Some places will even pick up your pet from your house for free if you so choose!
The cat cremation process is pretty simple. In most cases, it consists of an incinerator mid-size machine that's similar to a large wood chipper. It crushes the body and separates the fur from the small bones. The ashes are then processed in a large machine to remove the larger pieces of remaining bone, which is much like a huge wood chipper.
The ashes are then removed from the machine and placed into a container, usually for an urn if you chose to have one. Only a small portion of the ashes is actually needed for a normal urn, as most of it is crushed bone that's not much bigger than a grain of rice!
The entire process from start to finish takes about two hours. This short amount of time is due to the fact that a cat's body is so small and light, it doesn't take long to break down.
As for the actual appearance of the ashes, it's hard for anyone to tell the difference between cat ashes and any other species of animal. The only exception is that the ashes do smell like a cat, as most of the oils and fats were removed during cremation.
Factors affecting the cost of cat cremations
Cat cremation cost is affected by different factors, the most notable being the weight of your cat. The total amount of cremation is based on weight, so this is what typically raises the price. For example, a small animal such as a large rat might only cost around $20 to be cremated, while a larger dog will increase the price.
A more expensive urn and/or a return of the ashes will also raise the cost of your cat's cremation. If you're not interested in either of these things, you can choose to have the ashes scattered somewhere instead. This saves money for those who are on a strict budget.
Another factor affecting the price of your cat cremation is whether or not you want it to be done as quickly as possible. If you're willing to wait for cremation, there is usually an additional charge due to the fact that it will need to be done later in the day when the crematorium isn't as busy.
Types of cremation
There are different types of cremation that you may choose for cat cremation services. The two types are direct cremation and indirect cremation, both of which are explained below.
1. Individual cremation
Average cost: $60-$150
This is the most common type of cremation, where only one body is burned at a time. This process typically takes about two hours to complete, with the ashes (and/or urn if one is purchased) returned to you in about two weeks. The advantage of using Individual cremation is that the costs are lower because of it being a single body, and you can often choose your pet's urn. The disadvantage of this method is that the ashes are returned to you in two weeks, which isn't as immediate of a service.
2. Communal cremation
Average cost: $30-$70
This type of cremation is one of mass cremation, where multiple bodies are burned at the same time. This process typically takes about four hours to complete. The advantages of using communal cremation and the disadvantages are pretty much the same as the individual, where costs are lower but it takes four hours to complete. The advantage of using communal cremation is that the ashes are usually returned to you after one day.
3. Private cremation
Average cost: $100-$200
This type of cremation is one of the most expensive and it is where only one person handles the entire process. This includes preparing your pet's body, conducting the cremation, and returning the ashes to you. The advantages of using private cremation are that all aspects are controlled by you, allowing for a more personalized experience. The disadvantage is that the process takes a lot of time and it's very expensive.
4. Scattering ashes
This is the process of spreading your pet's ashes in a location of your choice. It is usually done at sea, but it can also be carried out on land. The advantage is that it doesn't cost anything, but you won't get any of your pet's ashes back either.
Additional cat cremation services and their costs
There are other services that can be added onto your cat cremation. These services include a dental, a private viewing of the body by a family member, and a return of the cremated remains.
A dental is a service in which all or part of your feline's teeth is removed for potential future use by other animals. This service usually costs around $75, but it can have an impact on the overall cost of your cat cremation. The advantage of having a dental done is that it's an additional way of remembering your pet.
The second service is a private viewing by one family member, which usually costs around $75. It allows family members to say goodbye before the cremation takes place. The advantage of this service is that it's a way to honor your pet's memory. The disadvantage is that it costs money.
The last service is the return of your cat's cremated remains, which usually costs around $100. The advantage of having the remains returned to you is that it's another way of remembering your feline friend. The disadvantage is that it costs money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, It is important to consider the above factors when deciding what type of cat cremation you'd prefer to have. Keep in mind that these factors can change the overall cost of your service. If you are looking for the least expensive option, then individual cremation would be your best bet. Keep in mind that you will get your pet's ashes back in two weeks.
References
- [1] ^ YouTube: 10 Questions You Always Wanted To Ask a Pet Cremator
- [2] ^ Daily Paws: Cat Cremation: Is It the Right Approach for You?
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