Afterward, the care doesn’t end. Every detail that follows is handled with the same tenderness and reverence that defined your cat’s final moments.
If you have chosen cremation (either communal or private/individual), we will handle the arrangements for you and coordinate the transfer to Family Animal Services in NE Portland.
After the peaceful passing, we will gently swaddle your cat in a locally made, custom-created, plush wrap, cradling them carefully in softness. This is how they will ride on the passenger seat back to our office in Tigard. You are welcome to add flowers or tuck a private note you have written to your beloved friend into the soft wrap. Whatever feels appropriate and will help you honor the significance of the moment and of your bond.
Cremation Options
Soulcat partners with Family Animal Services for cremation, and have worked with them for many years. Dr. Mesher has had her own beloved pets cremated by them, with full confidence.
You will have a choice of cremation types, private cremation or communal cremation.
Private/Individual Cremation
Private or Individual cremation means your cat’s body will be cremated separately and their individual ashes will be available for you to keep. A metal tag with a unique number follows your pet’s body through the entire process, ensuring the sanctity of that ritual. Ashes are carefully stored in a beautiful carved wooden box (included in the price). Occasionally people decide to transfer their cat’s ashes to another urn that they have chosen at a later time. Sometimes people scatter the ashes in their garden or have them made into custom memorial art or jewelry. Whatever feels right and fitting. One thing that is nice about having the ashes is that there is no rush to find the “perfect” way to honor them - you will have time to consider once the initial wave of emotions has subsided a little.
It usually takes one to two weeks for the ashes to be ready for return. You can either pick them up at our office in Tigard, or directly from Family Animal Services (INSERT a LINK TO THEIR ADDRESS HERE?). Some people choose to pay to have them mailed directly from Family Animal Services.
Communal Cremation
Some people instead decide on communal or general cremation, preferring to memorialize their kitty in another way - maybe by planting a tree or making a donation to a favorite feline rescue. Their treasured photos and perhaps an ink pawprint are enough for them. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do this. There is no judgement - you do what feels right. You don’t have to have ashes to create a beautiful memorial to your Soulcat - your memories and photos are often all that is needed.
Regardless of which style of cremation is ultimately decided upon - or even if you make your own arrangements (in this case, your cat’s body is left with you), we can make complimentary ink pawprints and/or take fur clippings for you to keep, if you’d like. Usually we create these mementos back at the office (in the case of cremation), but we can also do them at your home if you wish.
Clay paw prints ($45) are made by Family Animal Services if you choose that option, and are available no matter which form of cremation you choose.
If you have questions about the timeline or would like to discuss any preferences, we welcome that conversation. There is no detail too small.