Do cats need graves? A detailed explanation of types such as gardens, pet cemeteries, and being with the owner, and methods of memorialization

For cat owners, their beloved feline companions are their dearest partners. Though we wish to live with them forever, the time for farewells will eventually arrive.

Amidst grief, we are faced with questions like how to conduct our cat's funeral and where to bury them. It's important to consider your cat's final resting place to ensure your beloved companion can rest peacefully.

For that future time, this article will discuss options for cat graves and memorial services.

Cremation is the general practice when a cat passes away.

As introduced in "What to do when a cat passes away? A detailed explanation of the cat funeral, cremation, and memorial process," it is common for a cat's remains to be cremated.

Pet cemeteries or pet funeral service providers are typically hired to conduct funerals and cremations, similar to human funerals. The cat's ashes and bones are returned in an urn.

Many owners wish to provide a thorough memorial for their cats, and there are various methods of remembrance. Broadly, there are three types: "memorial at home," "memorial at a temple or pet cemetery," and "scattering ashes."

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. However, since there is no single correct way, choose a memorial method that suits your family's wishes.

1. Memorial at home

If you choose to mourn your cat at the home you shared, you can visit them anytime.

You can mourn by purchasing a pet altar or memorial tablet, or by setting up a small space with your cat's urn, photos, and offerings as an alternative to an altar. Having it in a common area like the living room provides a sense of security as it's always in sight.

However, if you plan to build a grave in your garden, please note the following:

• The burial site must not be on a public road or someone else's property.
• There must be no gas or water pipes running through the area.
• Bury the remains or ashes in a hole at least 50 cm deep.
• Place a gravestone or marker to indicate the burial site.

Any type of gravestone is fine, but some allow you to engrave your cat's name or insert a photo. You can order them online, so try to find one that feels right for you.

2. Memorial at a temple or pet cemetery

There is a growing demand for memorial services at temples or pet cemeteries, considering future moves or if there's no one to continue the memorial.

Similar to humans, you can mourn by enshrining the ashes in a charnel house or building a grave at a pet cemetery. Conditions such as perpetual memorial differ among temples and pet cemeteries, so it's important to carefully check their regulations.

Also, many owners wish to be buried in the same grave as their beloved cat. While some general temples and cemeteries may permit this, it is strictly forbidden to inter a cat's remains in a human grave without permission.

In recent years, the number of non-denominational cemeteries where pets and owners can be interred together is increasing, so it's worth researching if you're interested.

3. Scattering ashes

There's also a memorial method called scattering ashes, where your cat's remains are ground into powder and returned to nature.

By scattering the ashes in your garden or in a potted plant, you can feel your cat's presence nearby forever. There are also pet cemeteries that offer "ocean scattering", where ashes are scattered in the sea, and "tree burial", where ashes are scattered near a tree.

While there are no legal restrictions regarding scattering pet ashes, scattering them in parks or the ocean can often lead to problems. It is generally advisable to hire a professional service specializing in pet ash scattering, especially since they can finely pulverize your cat's remains, which is an added benefit.

Additionally, there is a method called "hand-held memorial", where a portion of the remains are not scattered or interred, but kept in a pendant or small ornament as a remembrance.

Summary

Whether a cat's grave or altar is necessary is a matter of individual perspective for each owner. Whichever method of remembrance you choose, you can express your gratitude and love to your cat. Take your time to consider carefully so you have no regrets.

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