Cremation.

[1rovert]

I have just heard that my cat has cancer. It hit me very hard, and as I have had her for eighteen years, she is more of a friend than a pet. I am hoping she will live a bit longer (I find out Tues). I was thinking of having her cremated, so that her ashes can be put with mine. I know it might sound a silly thing to do, but we are close.
My question is, does anyone know how much it would cost to get it done.

[Kleiber]

I don't think you're being silly at all. 1 rovert. I think it's a lovely thing to do.
I had one of my dogs cremated a couple of years ago and I think it was about �40 (for that, I got his ashes back in a nice urn, with a card and a little spray of dried flowers). Your vet will know how much the local pet crematoriums charge. I hope your little cat can have a good quality of life for her remaining time, but when the end comes, just remember, you're doing the right thing by her and not letting her suffer. K xxx

[shaneystar2]

Not silly at all .
I had my beloved pooch cremated last year .He was a big dog and it cost �120 with an engraved wooden casket for the ashes .He was cremated on his own and I got his ashes back with a card and a little spray of flowers. It won't be as expensive for a cat .
When the time comes talk to your vet .They are very sympathetic ..mine was ..as I was inconsolable .
Your cat has obviously had a good life and when the time comes you will know it's the kindest thing you can do for your pet when they come to the end of their lives .
Chin up xx

[Golf38]

Absolutely not ridiculous at all.

Creamtion depends on whether its a communal of separate cremation. I assume you want a separate cremation whichill be about �100 -plus a casket.

I too fully intend to have my dog (who is only one now) cremated when he dies and then his ashes buried with me when I pop mu clogs -its perfectly legal and moe people do it than we imagine.
Just enjoy the time you have left with your pet and spoil her rotten!!

[yelofox]

Spoil her rottern - my heart goes out to you xxx

[madboutcats]

i had my patch cremated as i couldnt bear the thought of him in the ground, i now have his ashes in a photo frame which is beside my bed and i too want his ashes buried with me after my time is up. he was a cat in a million and we too were close.

[1rovert]

Thank you all, for your kindness, and the information. It helps me to know others have had the same problem, and that I can, in time, put this behind me. But I shall never forget her.

Thank you all!

[alfieblue]

1rovert - you are a lovely caring person. I agree with all the good people who have answered here. My heart goes out to you. alfieblue xxx

[~Wingnut~]

We had our Soots cremated who had been with us since I was a little girl and I even remember the day my Dad brought him home as a kitten. He was 19 and it broke our hearts when he had to be pts. My Dad had died a few years before and we had a tree planted in his memory at a National Trust park (with his ashes buried underneath) we used to visit as a family, so scattered Soot's ashes with the tree so he will always be with my Dad.
Gosh made me well up now! lol
Your not silly at all, they touch our lives and will never fully understand just how much they do so, off to give my 2 a big cuddle now :o)
Spoil him rotten :o)

[kita1]

When an animal has been with you for 18 years it is a member of your family - you have probably spent more time in your cats company than in the company of any person.

I have a dog who is now 12 and a half - I got him at 7 weeks old - every day/night of those years he has been with me. The most I have been apart from him was one day when I went down to Crufts (10 hours). I know when I loose him it will be like loosing a part of myself.

As regards cremation I am not sure of the cost - it varies from place to place. You can get ashes back in a cardboard box or a more expensive casket.

Don't leave it until you actually take your cat to the vets for the last time to make the arrangements for cremation. If you can I would phone the vets now and ask what the options are. If you cannot handle a phone call then write down your questions/requirements and give them to the receptionist. Most vets are very understanding. It is less to think about when the final day comes - you will probably be too upset then to ask/tell the vet what you want.

Also decide if you wish to stay with your cat until the end. I usually do stay and all my animals have gone quietly to sleep in my arms. I make mine the last appointment at the vets so that nobody is rushed (or even call the vet out to the house).

Take care.

[madboutcats]

1rovert you know we are all here for you to give you a great big cyber hug and to talk when ever you need us..xxxx

[madboutcats]

take loads of photos so you have lots of memories, i have an old frame that i filled with lots of different piccies of patch
turning it into a colleage. one day i'll make another one up of all the cats ive known and loved, a rogues gallery.

[sue11]

Hi 1rovert, my best wishes go out to you, my feelings are that whatever you do, it does not really matter your cat will still be close to you in your heart regardless of what happens to her body. Your cat is much loved and she knows this, I hope her final days will be as comfortable as possible.
All the best, Sue

[barb1314]

So not a silly thing to do.My beloved Jade (Beautiful Border Collie died age 17) was cremated and I still have her ashes to be buried with me.We lost her over 2 years ago and I've never been able to scatter them.I want her with me ALWAYS. I think it cost just over �100.Worth every penny to me...I was inconsolable.
I hope you and your best friend have lots more happiness together...just spoil her like the others have said.Take care.

[leelapops]

Oh 1rovert, I am sorry I can't tell you more about Cremation details, but I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your pet's illness. I hope that when she goes, you can in time look back with less tears and more smiles.

Lisa x

[alfieblue]

Dear 1rovert - will be thinking of you and your beautiful cat this tuesday.

With much love, alfieblue xxx

[Golf38]

I would find it unbearable to be with my dog if he had to be euthanased. However, I'd want the last thing that he feels and sees to be me so I'd put myself through it.

Best wishes for you and you'r little one.