It is named after the nearby neighbourhood of Cathcart on the southern outskirts of Glasgow, but does not actually fall within the city boundaries, instead being a salient of East Renfrewshire.
It is bounded to the east by the White Cart Water, with Linn Park on the opposite bank.
The grounds of Holmwood House, a mansion designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, are located a short distance to the north.
The cemetery contains the William and Mary Hood mausoleum, which is based upon the Philae Temple of Hathor.
[3] The cemetery gatehouse had been derelict for ten years until it was restored as a family home, winning a Glasgow Institute of Architects Design Award in 2011.