How Much Does It Cost to Cremate a Cat?

Cat cremation is a common choice for pet owners. Because cats are smaller than dogs, the cost is usually lower. Most families spend between $50 and $400, depending on the cremation type, location, and any extra services.

Here is a detailed breakdown of cat cremation costs, what affects the price, what is included, and tips to avoid surprise fees.

To get a more accurate quote use our cremation estimator.

Average Cost to Cremate a Cat

Communal Cremation

~$40–$150

• Your cat is cremated with other pets.
• Ashes are not returned.
• Usually, the most affordable option.

Best for: Families who don’t wish to keep ashes and want the lowest-cost option.

Partitioned Cremation:

~$100–$300

• Multiple pets are cremated in the same chamber but kept separated.
• Ashes are typically returned, though separation methods vary by provider.

Best for: Those who want ashes returned at a moderate price.

Private Cremation

~$150–$400+

• Your cat is cremated alone.
• Ashes are returned, usually within a few days.
• Often includes ID tracking and a temporary urn.

Best for: Families who want certainty that the ashes are solely their cat’s.

Cat Cremation Cost by Weight

Most cats fall into the under-20-lb category, which keeps pricing relatively consistent.

• Under 10 lbs:
  • Communal: ~$40–$120
  • Private: ~$150–$300
• 10–20 lbs:
  • Communal: ~$75–$150
  • Private: ~$200–$400

Important: Ask if the price is based on your cat’s actual weight or a flat rate. Many crematories use a standard price tier for cats.

What’s included in the Cremation Cost

Commonly Included

• Cremation service
• Transportation from a veterinary clinic (if arranged through the vet)
• Identification tag throughout the process
• Temporary container for ashes (private/semi-private cremation)

Common Add-ons

• Home pickup: +$50–$150
• After-hours pickup: +$75–$200
• Witness cremation: +$100–$300
• Decorative urn: +$50–$250+
• Engraving: +$20–$75
• Paw print or fur clipping: +$25–$125
• Rush return (24–48 hours): +$50–$150

Why Cat Cremation Prices Vary

If you’re wondering why the cost to cremate a cat can vary so much, it usually depends on these factors:

1. Type of cremation (private vs. communal)
2. Pickup method (home pickup costs more than vet drop-off)
3. Geographic location (urban areas tend to be more expensive)
4. Provider type

• Vet-arranged cremation may include administrative fees
• Direct crematories often offer more pricing transparency

5. Memorial options (urns, keepsakes, engraving)

Veterinary vs. a Pet Crematory

Veterinary Clinic

Pros

• Very convenient
• Vet handles transport and paperwork

Cons

• Sometimes higher cost
• Limited customization options

Pet Crematory

Pros

• Often lower prices
• More cremation and memorial options
• Some allow drop-off appointments

Cons

• You may need to arrange transport

If you want to save money, try contacting both your vet and local crematories to compare options.

Example Scenarios

• Indoor cat (9 lbs), communal cremation: ~$75–$125
• Adult cat (12 lbs), private cremation + basic urn: ~$200–$350
• Private cremation + home pickup + keepsake: ~$350–$600

These examples show that adding extra services can quickly raise total costs.

Questions to Ask

To get an accurate quote, ask:

1. Is this a communal, semi-private, or private cremation?
2. Are ashes returned, and in what type of container?
3. How is identification handled?
4. Is pickup included, and what are the mileage limits?
5. Are there any additional fees?
6. How long until ashes are returned?

How to Reduce the Cost

• Choose communal cremation
• Skip upgraded urns or keepsakes
• Transport your cat yourself if permitted
• Compare pricing between nearby providers
• Avoid after-hours services if possible