Losing a pet can be distressing and thinking about things like what to do with your cat’s body can be difficult to think about during times of stress and sadness. If it is possible to think about these things in advance, you may have more opportunity to give some thought to how you want to care for your cat after they’ve died.
Talk to your vet to find out what options are available to you. Generally after death, pets are cremated or buried.
There are two types of cremation to choose from when thinking about what to do with your cat.
Communal cremation: this is where several animals are cremated together and therefore it is not possible for you to get your cat’s ashes back. While it is a common belief that the ashes from communal cremations are scattered at the crematorium, in many cases the ashes will be buried at a licensed site for practical reasons. The individual crematorium should be able to tell you what happens at their site, should you wish to know.
Individual cremation: this option is more personal and will usually have the option to have your cat’s ashes returned to you. In an individual cremation, a pet may be cremated in the crematory on its own or commonly on an individual tray with other pets on individual trays. If it is important to you that your cat is cremated individually then do ask about the process at the veterinary practice’s preferred cremation service.
Individual cremations are generally more expensive than communal cremations so ask your veterinary practice about the costs involved. Many crematoria and cremation services will allow pet owners to visit them and see the facilities so you’ll know exactly what will happen to your pet during cremation.
You may be able to choose the type of container to have the ashes kept in. Some facilities may offer different designs – ask to see a brochure if possible so that you can choose.
Some people prefer to take their cat home to bury in the garden. There is no formal planning required for burying a cat at the home it lived in as long as you own the land and the vet has said that there is no risk to other animals or people. If in doubt, speak to your local authority.
The grave should be at least 1.25 metres deep and the site should be three metres away from water sources, cables and pipes where possible. Often people plant a bush or tree over the spot or even place a pot or slab over the site to mark it and to prevent other animals from digging in that area.
The benefits of burying at home include being able to visit your cat at any time and you may feel closer to your cat being at home.
However, you might think about whether you are likely to move home in the future and what this might mean in terms of either relocating your cat’s remains or leaving them behind. You might consider burying your pet in a large pot as this can be easier in the event of a house move.
Choosing a pet cemetery is another option is you don’t have the facility to bury at home or don’t want a cremation. While it can be an expensive service, it is often very personal.
Often costs will include purchase of the plot, an annual maintenance or rental fee and a coffin (which the cemetery may ask that you buy from them).
Some cemeteries also have license to conduct human cremations and burials and this allows for you and your cat to be buried in close proximity and remain together after death.