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Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 136
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:27 pm: | 
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Is it okay to bury a cat in your back yard? |
Kiba
Citizen
Username: Radical_kiba
Post Number: 25
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:31 pm: |
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not that I know of. :/
We buried our old bunny in our backyard. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 2940
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:40 pm: |
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Depends it if is alive or dead before you bury it.
All kidding aside, you will need to bury it very deep and in a tight box, or else the raccoons will dig it up. Not sure if burying in your yard is legal or not, but you sure don't want to have it disinterred all over your backyard by the 'coons. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1023
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:43 pm: |
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We have buried a cat and numerous gerbils, not that deep, not always in a box (but always with a handmade grave marker) and never had any problems. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3734
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 3:53 pm: |
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Hopefully not because we have a large assortment of dead pets buried in our yard. With the exception of Fang (a hamster) and Octavious (a cat). I had the cremated. They're in one of the compartments behind my headboard. |
thegoodsgt
Citizen
Username: Thegoodsgt
Post Number: 914
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 4:13 pm: |
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What about something big, like...a horse?
 |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 333
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 4:59 pm: |
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A neighbor who no longer lives in S.O. told us many years ago that it was illegal to bury animals in the backyards of S.O. This woman and her family had lived in S.O. for almost 30 years. I don't know why she gave me that info...maybe because I mentioned to her that our beloved dog had to be put down and we were stressing and suffering? |
jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 514
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 5:01 pm: |
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I don't know the answer, but wondered the same thing when we had to have our cat put to sleep a couple years ago, because our Maplewood vet asked if we wanted the ashes but didn't ask if we wanted the body (we didn't want either, so we didn't ask). Anyway, I bet that a vet could answer this question for you. Also, sorry for your (presumed) loss of a pet. |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 531
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 5:40 pm: |
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"Boots Hill"!
There is only one cat actually buried in this area. The head stones are from another burial area on a property I sold last year. To the right of the shrub is another cat grave, also fenced in.
 |
jab
Citizen
Username: Jab
Post Number: 515
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 5:51 pm: |
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I didn't bury my cat, as I mentioned above, but I placed a small cat statue (not nearly life-sized) in my garden as a memorial. |
Shawna
Citizen
Username: Lucies_mom
Post Number: 81
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 6:14 pm: |
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As we recently bought a house, I asked the realtor the same question, because I don't to come across anything while gardening. Her reply is that it is not legal, but I do know some people in town who have burried a furry friend or two in the backyard. |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 532
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 6:59 pm: |
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Legal or not, it's definitely a great way to honor your pet, but you have to go deep. At least two feet of soil above the body. So for an average house cat, go down about 2 1/2 to 3 feet. A little lime in the hole first and a sprinkling before refilling is beneficial as well. Make sure to mark the area well. Save some dirt for settling, usually within 2 weeks.
Cats and small dogs, 6 to 12 months and there isn't much left but bone frags. Unless your planting trees or digging a pool, you shouldn't come across them again except in your dreams!
Rest in peace, beloved pets. Wish that it could be this easy with their masters. |
nur
Citizen
Username: Nur
Post Number: 193
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 7:10 pm: |
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call town hall |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 138
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 7:29 pm: |
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Thanks. I'm liking the idea of cremating. Then we could scatter her ashes or bury her or keep her in a vase. I also like the little sculpture idea. She is still alive but not moving, eating or drinking. She purrs when we pet her. Very sad! I hope she can die quietly at home.
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Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1620
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 7:59 pm: |
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Crazy Quilter -
I think it is illegal, mostly for common-sense reasons - you bury a big animal and another animal may dig.
We have a tree that we bury our animals around. Hamsters and little ones go in a paper bag with their toys and I dig down about a foot. For our cat, we had her cremated.
Also, I'm sorry your cat is dying. If it's any consolation, when I worked at a vets I sat with a lot of animals that died of old age. They sense it's time to rest and pass away.
Animals don't have worries -- they just need to be protected and comforted and go when it's time.
I'm so sorry - keep your kitty warm tonight and it's OK to cry in front of her.
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tabby
Citizen
Username: Tabby
Post Number: 240
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 8:25 pm: |
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Dear Crazy Quilter,
I am very sorry for your impending loss. We have gone through it 4 times over the past few years.
I know it is illegal, but we did bury our dearly departed kitties in our backyard. I could not take part in it as it was too upsetting to me, but we did bury their bodies all wrapped up and well boxed. They are in a shady back corner of our garden with daffodils, day lillies and hostas planted over them.
Please don't let your kitty suffer, if he/she can't eat or drink, please take her to your vet and have her put down. I know it's hard to do, but personally I can't let them suffer. Cats purr when they are in pain as well as when content and happy. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 139
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 8:47 pm: |
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i worked many years in Hospice, helping people die at home. Unless she was in some really extreme pain that i couldn't give her anything for, I would rather she be here with us. It's not just old age, she also has a very large inoperable tumor on top of her head. Thank you for the sympathetic thoughts. |
Eponymous
Citizen
Username: Eponymous
Post Number: 36
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:26 pm: |
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I would think that any synthetic wrapping would not quickly decay, and might even slow the decay of the corpse in the ground. |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1937
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:43 pm: |
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I think the trash can is a great option, and if S.O. tras is incinerated as in Maplewood's trash, then you could consider the pet cremated as well. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3741
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:48 pm: |
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Monster-
I am really surprised by your inconsiderate response. I think it was heartless and cold. Now go to your room! |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3742
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 10:51 pm: |
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Crazy-
I can understand where you're coming from. I've been a Hospice volunteer for many years. Back in 1991 I had to make the difficult decision to help end my cat's suffering. |
monster
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 1940
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 12:26 am: |
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I apologize, I'm not sorry, but I will apologize, I really dont' consider it heartless and cold.
Heck, when I die I couldn't care less if they took my body and tossed it in the trash, I'll be dead, what does it really matter, at that pint I'll just be a lump of rotting flesh.
But I do offer my condolences towards quilter and family, I can understand how animals can be loved, and I don't even care for our cat.... |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 3745
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 2:41 am: |
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I have to smile with your latest post. I drive my mom nuts saying when my time comes I want my body donated to science. When they're done, they can toss the remains in the trash!
But my pets are a different story.
Crazy- My thoughts are with you. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2784
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 6:48 am: |
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Sorry to hear about kitty CQ. May she go peacefully to that Raibow Bridge we all hear so much about!
I have lost three kitties over the past few years and have cremated them all. It's not the cheapest option, but I'm fairly certian it is illegal to bury them in your yard. That said, it's not like the kitty corpse cops are out and about and digging up people's yards looking for evidence. So if you really feel strongly about burying kitty, do it quietly and discreetly and nobody will be the wiser.
My thoughts are with you and kitty. |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 140
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 9:48 am: |
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I just called the vet, it's $65 to cremate, and $135 if i want the ashes back!
I'm not sure our garbagemen would take a dead animal -- they left a bag of garbage because it was in a Target bag instead of in a bag bought especially to throw away garbage!
I am sad, but not as sad as my husband (this was his favorite cat who he had before we met), and not as sad as my 8 y/o dtr.
That's who the burial considerations are mainly for.
Maybe I lied! I'm getting teary thinking about how she let children rough house with her and never scratched them! And how much she loved to sneak outside and roam around. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1213
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 10:24 am: |
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I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. My suggestion is to do whatever will help you deal with the loss the best, regardless of cost or legality of burial. We buried both of my cats in my backyard when I was younger, but I think now I would probably opt for cremation when the time comes for my cats now (which hopefully will be a long way off). No matter what you do, it will obviously be in a way that will enable you to say your goodbyes with respect and caring for your cat who has given you so much over the years.
I'll be thinking of you! |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 865
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 10:32 am: |
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I've heard cats purr to calm themselves before dying. Knowing how loyal they are, she's probably doing it to keep you at peace.
And I say: It's your yard. Dig deep enough then plant a tree in April.
Please post updates for us. -Lynn |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 141
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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well, Since you asked -- She just got up, drank water, walked around, and ate 3/4's of a can of food. i've been checking all day to see if she is even breathing, so this is a surprise burst of energy. the other cats are hanging out with her at times and disappearing at times. |
upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 533
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 2:51 pm: |
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"well, Since you asked -- She just got up, drank water, walked around, and ate 3/4's of a can of food."
Check the level on her "lifeometer". They come with nine lives!!
Good Luck |
Maplewood27
Citizen
Username: Maplewood27
Post Number: 41
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 29, 2006 - 9:19 pm: |
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Sorry to hear about your cat - watching pets suffer is the worst.
Try contacting Abbey Glen in Lafayette, NJ, in regards to pet cremation. http://www.abbeyglen.com/index.html
Sometimes nj vets use services outside of the state so its more expensive.
My friend had her dog cremated and not only was it cheaper, Abbey Glen went to her vet to pick up the dog and handled everything quickly.
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Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 142
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:21 pm: |
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Thanks for the advice and kind thoughts. It was strange having a dying cat in the house the last few days. Thankfully, she never seemed to be in pain. On Saturday night, my husband was holding her in his lap, another cat we have came and joined her on his lap, and then she died.
I was really happy that my daughter got to say good bye many times. After her death, my dtr also spent some time petting and talking to her.
I think it was a good death. She was active up until about 5 days ago, and she died in a comfortable place.
We buried her in the back yard (don't tell anyone)! We'll plant something like catnip there in the spring.
Thanks again for your help.
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Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 2821
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 7:30 pm: |
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Sorry to hear about kitty, but it sounds like she had a nice death--as much as death can be "nice." She was lucky to have you take such good care of her. |
Lydia
Supporter
Username: Lydial
Post Number: 1634
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:08 pm: |
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Crazy,
So sorry for your loss.
She died like a cat should - curled up and warm surrounded by her cat and human friends.
If she was eating, that's a good sign that she wasn't in pain.
I'm really sorry, losing a pet is a sad time.
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kap
Citizen
Username: Kap
Post Number: 240
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:18 pm: |
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This isn't particulaly clear but I think that the following (#5) says that burying animals on private property is not legal. There may also be state statutes that apply. I'll post them if I find any.
From the Maplewood Municipal Code, Board of Health Legislation:
§ 319-1. Nuisances declared.
A. The following matters, things, conditions or acts and each of them are hereby declared to be a nuisance and injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the township:
(1) Animals. The keeping of any animal or animals under unsanitary conditions.
(2) Common drinking cup. Any common drinking cup or utensil in any park, playground, railroad station, theater, school, club, boardinghouse, public hall, amusement ground, public washroom or lavatory or in any place where a number of people congregate or are employed.
(3) Common towel. Any common towel for use by more than one (1) person without intermediate laundering, except roller towels which can be mechanically adjusted for individual use, in any park, playground, railroad station, theater, school, club, boardinghouse, public hall, amusement ground, public washroom or lavatory or in any place where a number of people congregate or are employed.
(4) Fly larvae. Any accumulation of manure or animal or vegetable matter in which fly larvae or pupae exist.
(5) Garbage and excrement. Burying, depositing, maintaining or permitting to be maintained or to accumulate upon any public or private property any household wastewater, sewage, garbage, tin cans, offal or excrement; any decaying fruit, vegetables, fish, meat or bones; any oyster or clam shells; any dead animals; or any foul, putrid or obnoxious liquid or substance.
(6) Garbage containers. Any container or utensil in which garbage, offal, scraps, waste food and any other putrescible material is held in or upon any premises and which is not watertight, tightly covered and so kept at all times to exclude flies, rodents and vermin.
(7) Hydrocyanic acid gas. The use of hydrocyanic acid gas or any product of cyanogen or any other substance poisonous to animal life or human beings for fumigating or disinfecting any structure or premises in the township without first having obtained a permit to do so from the Board of Health.
(8) Mosquito larvae. Any water or liquid in which mosquito larvae may or do exist.
(9) Plumbing. Any leaking, unclean or filthy sink or water closet, urinal or other plumbing fixture or any such plumbing fixture which does not comply with the Plumbing Code of the township in any building used or occupied by human beings.
(10) Poison ivy. Permitting poison ivy, or any other poisonous plant, to be or to grow upon any public or private property within twenty-five (25) feet of any public sidewalk, public street, party line or building.
(11) Pollution. Pollution or the existence of a condition or conditions which cause or threaten pollution of any waters in the township in such manner as to cause or threaten injury to any of the inhabitants of the township, either in their health, comfort or property.
(12) Ragweed. Permitting ragweed in the flowering state, or any other noxious or hurtful weed, to grow upon any public or private property.
(13) Smoke. Emission from any premises of any smoke, gases, soot, stench or other substance in quantity or strength sufficient to cause injury or hazard to health.
(14) Spitting. Spitting upon any public sidewalk or crossing or upon the floor or any part of any building or public conveyance.
(15) Wells. Any well or other supply of water used for drinking or household purposes which is polluted or which is so situated or constructed that it may become polluted. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1220
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:30 pm: |
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Crazy,
I'm so sorry about your cat. It truly sounds like you provided a loving life for her and comfort in her time of need. My heart goes out to you and your family |
Crazy_quilter
Citizen
Username: Crazy_quilter
Post Number: 143
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:46 pm: |
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I'm not in Maplewood, but If I say I had her cremated and then buried, will you feel better? |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 890
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:50 pm: |
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So sorry - please tell Mr. Quilt & daughter Quilt we're sorry to hear the news, but happy for y'all that it was a nice end for her...guess at least one of the prayers was answered... |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 873
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 8:52 pm: |
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Thanks so much for sharing with us, CQ. I'm glad you all had the chance to be with her when she died; wrapped in a crazy quilt I am sure...
Lynn
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upondaroof
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 547
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 9:04 pm: |
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""If we measure lives not in time, but in grace, in the joy with which they are lived, and in the love they leave behind, then we have much to learn from our cats".
So sorry for your loss. |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 22724
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 30, 2006 - 10:53 pm: |
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Crazy_quilter, please accept my sincerest condolences. It's wonderful that you got to nurture your kitty to a peaceful and loving end. |
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