TL;DR

Losing a cat is never easy, but choosing the right cremation urn can help keep their memory alive. This guide covers everything you need to know—from how to size a cat urn based on your cat’s weight, to comparing materials like ceramic, metal, wood, and biodegradable options. You’ll also find design types like photo urns, figurine urns, and keepsake jewelry. Whether you’re keeping the urn at home or burying it outdoors, this guide helps you choose a memorial that honors your cat’s gentle spirit with dignity and love.

Determining the right urn size is crucial to ensure all your cat’s ashes will fit comfortably. Urn capacities are usually listed in cubic inches (in³). As a rule of thumb, each pound of your cat’s body weight will result in about 1 cubic inch of ashes . For example, a 10-pound cat may leave roughly 10 cubic inches of cremated remains. It’s wise to choose an urn slightly larger than this minimum. Many experts recommend adding about 10–20% extra capacity to account for higher bone density or if you wish to include small keepsakes with the ashes .

If your cat was cremated through aquamation (water cremation), note that this process yields more remains (around 1.2 cubic inches of ashes per pound of body weight ). In such cases, a 10-pound cat’s ashes might require around 12 cubic inches instead of 10. To convert cubic inches to more familiar terms: 1 cubic inch is roughly 16–17 milliliters. Thus, an urn of 10 cubic inches is about 170 ml in volume. Most cat urns intended for average adult cats (around 8–12 pounds) have capacities in the 15–30 cubic inch range, which is usually sufficient. For very large breeds or overweight cats (say 18–20 pounds or more), look for urns 30 cubic inches and up, or consider a “companion” urn if you plan to combine ashes of multiple pets. Ensuring the right size means your pet’s ashes will be held respectfully without risk of overflow.

When it comes to design, cat urns come in many styles to suit different preferences. You may want something traditional and understated, or a more personalized memorial. Here are some common types of cat urn designs:

Traditional Cat Urns:

Classic urns that resemble a vase or box. They can be made of various materials (metal, ceramic, wood) and often have simple, elegant designs. Many traditional urns for cats feature subtle paw prints or engravings of the cat’s name. They provide a timeless and dignified look that fits well in the home.

Photo Urns:

These urns include a frame or display area for a photograph of your pet. The ashes are stored in a box or base, and a picture of your cat can be inserted in the front. Photo urns personalize the memorial by putting your cat’s face on display, reminding everyone of their appearance and spirit.

Figurine & Sculpture Urns:

A popular choice for cat owners is an urn integrated with a cat figurine or sculpture. For example, some urns are designed as a sleeping cat urn – a sculpture of a cat curled up asleep, which contains the ashes inside . This design symbolizes peace and eternal rest, reflecting your cat’s natural tranquility. Others may be decorative boxes with a cat statue or likeness on top. These artistic urns celebrate the pet in a very visual way.

Keepsake & Jewelry Urns:

Not all ashes must be kept in one large urn. Some owners choose to keep a small portion of the ashes in a keepsake urn or even wear them in a piece of jewelry (such as a tiny pendant urn). These mini urns allow family members to each keep a part of the pet close to them. They are often used in combination with a main urn – for example, most of the ashes in a primary urn at home, and a small amount in a necklace or miniature urn for a family member. This is a nice option if multiple people want to hold onto the cat’s memory.

When choosing a cat urn, one of the key considerations is the material it’s made from. Different materials not only affect the look and style of the urn, but also its durability and suitability for certain purposes (for example, burial vs. display). Below we compare common cat urn materials – ceramic, metal, wood, and biodegradable options – and discuss what makes each suitable for cat memorials.

Ceramic Cat Urns

Ceramic cat urns are loved for their beauty and artistry. Ceramic can be molded into elegant shapes and often features smooth glazed finishes with decorative patterns. Many cat figurine urns are made of ceramic due to its ability to capture fine details. A ceramic cat urn can convey a sense of delicacy and grace, much like the cat it memorializes. However, ceramic is fragile – a hard drop or knock can crack or shatter it. If you choose a ceramic urn, plan to display it in a safe spot where it’s unlikely to be tipped over. With proper care, ceramic urns will last indefinitely indoors without fading or deteriorating. They are best for indoor display and not intended for burial (since they won’t biodegrade and could break under pressure).

Metal Cat Urns

Metal urns (often made of brass, bronze, or stainless steel) are valued for their exceptional durability. A well-crafted metal cat urn is sturdy and resistant to damage; it won’t crack or break if accidentally dropped. Metal urns also typically have secure lids (sometimes threaded like a screw-top) that keep the ashes safely sealed inside, protected from moisture and air. These urns often come in classic shapes (traditional vase urns or rectangular boxes) with finishes ranging from shiny polished metal to engraved or painted designs. Some metal urns feature paw print motifs or nameplates for personalization. Because of their strength, metal urns are suitable if you want something long-lasting. They can even be used for outdoor memorials or burial, though the metal itself will not decompose. Keep in mind that metal can feel cool or heavy to the touch, but it represents endurance. In terms of style, metal provides a timeless, respectful look, though it may not have the softer aesthetic of wood or ceramic. High-quality metal urns can be a bit more expensive, depending on the metal type and craftsmanship.

Wooden Cat Urns

Wooden urns offer a warm, natural look that many find comforting. They are often crafted from solid woods like oak, cherry, walnut, or bamboo, giving each urn unique grain patterns. Wooden cat urns usually come in the form of small chests or boxes, and many have features like engraved name plates, carved designs, or picture frames to personalize them. Wood is fairly durable for indoor display and doesn’t shatter like ceramic; however, it can be vulnerable to moisture, pests, or rot over the very long term. It’s important to keep wooden urns in a dry area indoors. They are not ideal for direct burial unless specially treated, because untreated wood in soil will eventually decompose (which might be acceptable if you intend for it to). The benefit of wood is that it has a gentle, homey appearance that can blend with furniture—a polished wooden urn might resemble a lovely keepsake box on a shelf. Wood urns range widely in price depending on the wood type and craftsmanship – from affordable pine boxes to expensive hand-carved hardwood urns.

Biodegradable Cat Urns

Biodegradable urns are designed for those who wish to have an eco-friendly farewell for their pet. These urns are made from natural, biodegradable materials such as handmade paper, recycled plant fibers, sand, or soluble salt compounds . The idea is that when the urn is buried in soil or placed in water, it will break down naturally over time, returning your cat’s remains to the earth. Biodegradable cat urns are ideal for ground burial ceremonies or scattering ashes in a garden or body of water. They often have simple, earthy designs (sometimes with floral or leaf motifs) to reflect their natural purpose. Keep in mind that because they’re made to biodegrade, they are not suited for long-term display at home – over time, moisture and air will cause the materials to weaken. If you plan to keep your cat’s ashes at home indefinitely, choose a durable urn instead. But if your goal is an eco-friendly pet urn that honors your cat’s memory while being kind to the environment, these urns are an excellent choice. They are usually quite affordable as well, given the modest materials.

Cats have distinct personalities—quietly comforting, gracefully independent, or sweetly affectionate. Incorporating emotional tribute elements can reflect your cat's unique essence:

• Quiet Corner Memorial: Create a serene memorial corner with the urn, your cat’s favorite toy, and a framed photo.
• Garden Tribute: Plant flowers or a tree over a biodegradable cat urn, creating a living, breathing tribute.
• Simple Rituals: Light a candle or write a farewell letter, helping ease your grief and celebrate your cat’s life.

Choosing a cat urn is a deeply personal decision. By considering your cat’s size, the type of memorial you want, and what will comfort you most, you can select an urn that feels right. Whether you opt for a delicate ceramic figurine or an eco-friendly biodegradable urn for burial, the most important thing is that it honors the gentle spirit of your feline friend. With the information in this guide, you are equipped to make a thoughtful choice that provides both a respectful resting place for your cat’s ashes and a cherished memorial for you and your family.