Cat Skeleton

[Death Pony]

A feral cat died in my backyard a few months ago from illness. Well, due to the natural process of decay I now have a perfect condition cat skeleton. Now I just have to figure out what to do with it... Here are my idea so far;

1) Donate it to my school's bio department.
2) Donate it as a still life object to the art department
3) Paint it in bright colors like an Oaxacan alajibre
4) Eat it
5) Use parts for a sculpture

My parents don't want it in the house, so I'm limited in ways to clean it. Anyone have any suggestions on how to sterilize it without boiling it?

 

[OgreMkV]

I would suggest that you get a heavy duty trash bag and a long handle shovel. Use the shovel to move the skeleton into the trash bag. Seal the trash bag tightly and throw away. Wash hands MANY, MANY times and VERY, VERY thoroughly.

BTW: Most public schools are prohibited from accepting donations like that or infact using any material that did not come from a reputable supplier (former Bio teacher here).

That skeleton is full of nasty bacteria and decaying crap.

If you MUST keep it, then boil it with significant amounts of ammonia or lye for a long time and never use the pot again.

 

[Dangerdoll]

Yeah, I am thinking Ogre hit the nail right on the head here, especially since the cat died from an illness or whatever... and since the cat was feral even. If you can't boil in in the house, spark up the old grill with some camping pot... and throw away after being done...

 

[VivaLaVics]

POOR CAT! Barry the thing! =(

 

[thesixis]

Dead animals are usually NOT good toys...

 

[Dexmaster]

Biomajor would have the answer to this.

 

[Death Pony]

I found a website that has good instructions on how to clean it without destroying the bones, it's pretty simple;

1. Remove tissue from bones
2. Immerse bones in tub of water
3. Leave container in warm location
4. Change water when it becomes greasy
5. When the water is clear the bacteria have finished their job
6. Soak bones in Hydrogen Peroxide

I got the info from;
http://www.boneroom.com/faqs/bones.html

We are not completely sure of how the cat died, but we're happy it's dead. The feral cat colony in our neighborhood has killed off a lot of our wildlife and attack people on occasion. Yet, our neighbor continues to feed them......

 

[unvmyplecos]

hmmmm odd that you would leave it there long enough for it to decay but whatever. i agree with DD if u need to keep it

 

[dixienut]

have some respect for Gods creatures and bury the poor thing and shame on you for wanting to turn it into a side show,.. besides the infection factor,..

even if you keep it, and boil it, how the heck are you planning to put it back together ,.. it isn't going to stay that way,..

 

[Dangerdoll]

We are not completely sure of how the cat died, but we're happy it's dead. The feral cat colony in our neighborhood has killed off a lot of our wildlife and attack people on occasion. Yet, our neighbor continues to feed them......

yikes, I thought you said "yet, our neighbor continues to feed on them"...