Burial or cremation? What to choose after cat euthanasia

Learn more about the options for giving your feline companion a compassionate, peaceful goodbye.
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Losing your cherished feline companion is a highly emotional and challenging experience. After making the difficult decision of cat euthanasia, pet owners have to make yet another difficult choice about how best to honour their cat’s memory. Deciding between burial and cremation is a personal decision that depends on various factors: emotional, practical, financial, and legal.

In Australia, cremation costs typically range from $250 to $600, while burial expenses can vary more widely, from $0 for a simple home burial to $3000 for a pet cemetery plot. When making this important decision, you should keep your preferences in mind, such as your desire for a physical memorial, the permanence of your current residence, and your comfort with different farewell rituals. Some pet owners find solace in having a specific place to visit, while others prefer the flexibility of keeping or scattering ashes.

Read on to understand the different options available after cat euthanasia, and make a choice that brings you comfort during this difficult time.

Should you choose burial or cremation after cat euthanasia?

When deciding between burial and cremation for your cat, it’s important to understand the various options within each category:

Private burial

This option allows you to bury your cat on your property, creating a personal memorial space. However, it’s crucial to adhere to local regulations, which may restrict pet burials in certain areas. Ensure you choose a suitable location and bury your pet in a safe and permissible way.

Pet cemetery

Pet cemeteries offer dedicated burial grounds with professional services. They often provide additional options, such as headstones and memorial accessories. While more costly, pet cemeteries ensure a permanent resting place and can offer comfort to those who wish to visit their pet’s grave.

Private cremation

In a private cremation, your cat is cremated individually, and you receive their ashes back in a vessel of your choice. This option allows you to keep your pet’s remains, scatter them in a meaningful location, or create personalised memorials. It offers flexibility while still providing a tangible connection to your beloved pet.

Communal cremation

This more affordable option involves cremating multiple pets together. While you won’t receive individual ashes, many facilities offer memorial plaques or other ways to commemorate your pet. This can be a suitable choice for those seeking closure without the need for physical remains.

Animal Donation Programs

This option involves allowing your cat’s body to contribute to veterinary research or education, potentially helping future generations of pets. It can be a meaningful alternative if you’re looking for an option apart from burial or cremation.

Plan the perfect send-off for your feline companion with Rest Your Paws

Rest Your Paws understands the importance of a dignified farewell for your beloved cat. Our comprehensive cat euthanasia service, priced at $495, is designed to provide comfort and support during this difficult time. It includes:

Rest Your Paws understands the importance of a dignified farewell for your beloved cat. Our comprehensive cat euthanasia service, priced at $495, is designed to provide comfort and support during this difficult time. It includes:

  • A house call from a compassionate veterinarian
  • Gentle sedation for your cat’s comfort
  • Cat euthanasia performed with care and respect
  • Aftercare options to suit your preferences (costs additional)

Following the euthanasia, we offer three main options for your cat’s aftercare:

  1. Private cremation
    From $385
    Receive your cat’s individual ashes in an urn of your choice.
  2. Communal cremation
    $275
    A more affordable option with shared cremation with other cats.
  3. Animal donation
    Contribute to veterinary research and education at the University of Sydney or University of Melbourne.

You can also choose to bury your cat at home or at a pet cemetery, in which case you would have to check with your local council to ensure you understand the regulations and legality.

Our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you can make an informed decision that aligns with your wishes and brings you peace. Get in touch with us to create a meaningful farewell for your feline friend.

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FAQs

How soon after cat euthanasia should I decide on burial or cremation?

It’s best to make this decision before cat euthanasia. Many veterinary services can arrange cremation services on your behalf, but if you prefer burial or want to organise it yourself, you’ll need to take your cat’s body home or to a pet cemetery promptly. If you’re unsure, some facilities offer short-term storage while you decide.

Some crematoriums offer witnessed cremations, allowing pet owners to be present during the process. This can provide closure and assurance. Check with your chosen facility about their policies and available options for witnessed cremations.
There are several eco-friendly options available. For burial, consider biodegradable caskets or shrouds. Some areas offer natural or woodland burial grounds. For cremation, you can choose biodegradable urns that dissolve in water or soil, allowing your pet’s ashes to return to nature.

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