Is my buried pet a problem?

May 6, 2009 11:39 AM

We buried our euthanized cat in our back yard. The vet told us that she would be poisonous to any animal that might dine on her remains, so bury her deep. Here's my question: What effect do euthanasia drugs have on the natural decomposition of animal remains? Will her body kill all the worms, bugs and microbes that would normally stop by for a meal? Will this have a negative impact on the adjacent ornamental garden plants?
posted by Carmody'sPrize to pets & animals (11 comments total)

It depends on exactly what was used, but usually it's a barbiturate like phenobarbital, just as an overdose rather than a sedative dose. It should not have an effect on decomposition -- standard worms, bugs, microbes should still be present, and the phenobarb or other drug shouldn't affect adjacent plants.

I'm sorry you lost your cat; hopefully after a full and fulfilling life.
posted by davidnc at 11:54 AM on May 6

Most likely birds, it appears that this is mainly a problem in large animals like horses:

Cases of barbiturate poisoning have been more frequentin late winter and early spring, but they are not confined tothat period. Cases of barbiturate poisoning may be corre-lated with the spring thaw in northern climates, when carcasses thaw, and the internal organs become more readilyavailable to scavengers. Residues in those carcasses becomeavailable to scavenger species at that time. Food supplies areoften limited at this time, so scavenging is more common

From here. I really doubt they gave your cat enough barbiturates for this to be a problem, but if you have a large amount of endangered birds in your backyard, I'd guess I'd be worried.
posted by geoff. at 12:04 PM on May 6

I'm sorry for your loss.

One thing you might consider (and that we did when we buried my wife's cat, "Little Darrell," in our yard) is to include a note in a sealed container in the grave. This could serve to identify the remains to anyone who encounters them later, and explain the circumstances of the death. It's also an opportunity to euoligize your pet somewhat, with some fond rememberances of the times you spent together. We used a piece of PVC with clean-out fittings on each end.
posted by Shohn at 12:59 PM on May 6

The hostas over three former cats of mine are lush and green, and the local birds seem to be fine.
posted by bink at 1:33 PM on May 6

We also have a kitty graveyard in a corner of our garden and the plants there are fine. I'm sorry for your loss.
posted by leslies at 2:48 PM on May 6

You could always make a kitty-coffin or grave liner that would seal the remains for a long time, longer than they would be a danger to others.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 4:01 PM on May 6

nthing Bink and Leslies. And I too am sorry for your loss.
posted by MadMage at 8:22 PM on May 6

Since the chemical that stopped your cats metabolism didn't have a chance to break down due to, well, the stopped metabolism, it's still in your cats body. This could potentially be absorbed into another animals system if it were to eat the body. The plants an environment around the body will be fine.

.
posted by ZaneJ. at 10:37 PM on May 6

I'm sorry I can't offer any helpful advice, but I do feel your pain.

My Zinfandel was put to sleep in 1997 and I was about functionless for a few days. I had her cremated and I have the ashes in a nice can. I've yet to find the appropriate place to scatter them.

My oldest, Zoot and Zydeco are approaching 17 years old and I love them so dearly. I'm not looking forward to going through that again.

Jeebus, I love having cats around the house, but I hate the pain of losing them so much.
posted by OneOliveShort at 11:57 PM on May 6

Agreed with bink, leslies and MadMage. My mother-in-law's dog was buried in our garden and, some five years later, the area is very lush and full of thriving plants. This has been the case ever since the burial.

Sorry about your loss.
posted by cheapskatebay at 5:54 AM on May 7

Thanks everyone. Miss Honey had a long and wonderful life. She belonged to our housemate and her loss was quite a shock. She's buried in a lush shady area (with Hostas!) and has nice flat granite marker.
Our own two cats are getting a little extra attention lately.
posted by Carmody'sPrize at 9:18 AM on May 7