What to Know About Cat Cremation and Memorialization
When your cat dies, others may not understand the emptiness you feel. Because of the assumed aloofness of cats, many assume there is not much to miss. Oh, how misinformed they are. Death is the end of purring, rubbing against your leg and watching them chase a flashlight beam. They became your constant companion — it is only natural to want to honor their memory, whether through a cat burial, cat cremation, or cat ashes memorial.
Saying Goodbye
In the middle of this very stressful time of loss, you must decide whether burying or cremating a cat is the best choice. Saying goodbye feels overwhelming either way. Ultimately, what you determine has to be the right fit for you and your lifestyle. You are making a decision that will impact your life forever.
A question you may ask yourself is how do you want to keep the memory of your cat alive? Burial allows you a place to go to reminisce about your beloved cat. Whether you bury in the backyard or at a cemetery, you leave behind a lasting memorial.
Choosing Cat Cremation
Burial is permanent — so those who rent an apartment or plan to move in the future may want to consider cat cremation instead. Private cremation is a simple process. Pet parents can take the remains to a vet or a local crematorium. After cremating a cat, their ashes will be returned anywhere from a few days to weeks.
However, you must remember there are costs associated with cremation. Be sure to inquire with the service provider about what to expect with a private cremation to be sure it is right for you.
Creating a Cat Ashes Memorial
After cremation, many struggle with what to do with cremated ashes. Do you keep the ashes with you wherever you go or do you create a cat ashes memorial?
Cat cremation allows you several options to memorialize your beloved feline. One is to place the ashes in an urn or decorative piece. Cremating a cat gives you the chance to select a special place in your home for the urn and if you move, you can take the ashes with you.
A few other options include scattering ashes and living memorials. If your cat spent time outdoors, scattering ashes under their favorite tree or shrub may seem like the perfect option. Or maybe scattering in the garden where your cat used to lie in wait for the butterflies.
While cremating a cat is a lovely option, you must be aware of the harmful effects of cat cremation ashes. The natural acidity of ashes can damage the environment, leading to the deterioration of plant life. We know that you want to leave a cherished location as beautiful as you found it — to help, our team has put together some resources on the harmful effects of burying ashes, options for a cat ashes memorial and advice for eco-friendly burials.
Planting a Living Memorial
A living memorial is a way to express love for your cat after their passing. Choosing a plant, tree or shrub for your garden, patio or home gives you a powerful way to honor or remember them. Mixing just a portion of the ashes with Let Your Love Grow’s planting mixture and soil is therapeutic. By tending to the memorial plant, you get to actively care for your beloved cat even after they pass on.
At Let Your Love Grow, we understand cat cremation and memorialization may be new to you. If you would like any advice or have any questions about a cat ashes memorial, we are happy to help.
