The cremation of humans used to be rare in America and Europe, but it is becoming more and more common. As it gains acceptance among humans, it is also becoming more common for pets. There are animal crematoriums, and some vets perform cremations.
Some pet owners dislike the idea of burying their pets, whether it’s on their own property or in a pet cemetery. (And, in the case of apartment dwellers, burial on the premises is not even an option.) Cremation seems a good alternative to burial (or the even worse alternative of putting a beloved pet in the garbage). As with cremated humans, a cat’s ashes can be kept in an urn, buried or scattered.