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Harbourside Pet & Equine Cremations

How much ash does a pet cremation produce?

What to expect when your companion comes home — volume, colour, texture, and why the amount is about bone, not body weight.

10 August 2026 · Alby & Rachael Koster

In short

Cremated remains weigh roughly 3 to 5 percent of a pet's body weight. A 5kg cat usually returns around 150–250 grams of ashes; a 30kg dog around 900g to 1.5kg. The amount reflects bone density, not body weight, so lean and heavy animals of the same size can differ.

Families often tell us they weren't expecting the amount to be as small — or as substantial — as it was. There is nothing wrong either way, and here is why.

What ashes actually are

Cremated remains are mineral bone fragments, processed to a fine, even consistency. Soft tissue does not remain, which is why the amount tracks skeletal mass rather than body weight.

Rough guide by size

  • Small birds and rodents — a few tablespoons.
  • Cats and small dogs (under 10kg) — roughly 150–400g.
  • Medium dogs (10–25kg) — roughly 400g–1.2kg.
  • Large and giant breeds (25kg+) — roughly 1–2.5kg.

Colour and texture

Expect a pale grey to off-white, sand-like consistency, sometimes with slightly larger fragments. Colour can vary with diet, medication and bone density — it is entirely normal.

Choosing a memorial that fits

We size urns to your companion, so nothing arrives half-empty or overfull. If you're planning to split ashes between family members or keep some in a keepsake, tell us and we'll prepare it that way.

Questions families often ask

Do I get all of the ashes?

Yes. Every gram recovered from the chamber is returned to you.

Can ashes be divided between family members?

Absolutely. Tell us how many portions and we'll prepare them, including keepsake vessels if you'd like.

Are the ashes safe in the garden?

Cremated remains are alkaline and high in minerals, so avoid scattering directly onto sensitive plants — mix through a wider area of soil instead.

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