Cat on the Prowl

Lifesize bobcat in a stalking/prowling pose for a customer. Just went home tonight!

This one was quite a project. I knew when the guy picked out the pose that some form modifications would have to take place, as his cat was a bit smaller than the form. Not by too many inches, but enough that I knew I'd be making some cuts. Couldn't talk him out of it, haha. I think I ended up cutting the form in something like nine places, LOL. Shortened the body, cut down the width of the chest, shortened the two extended limbs (front and back), shaved down the belly, shortened the head... I just had to get it to come together. I'll say, it ain't too pretty underneath-- foam held together with bondo, screws, and wires-- but when it comes to taxidermy it's what's on the outside that counts, yeah?

Finding a suitable piece of driftwood for this cat was also a challenge because it needed to be quite long, at least 36", straight, and flat. McKenzie wouldn't guarantee I'd get a piece that size and shape, and my "wanted" post on taxinet went unanswered. Thankfully, I eventually found a smaller supplier willing to go and sift through their driftwood pile with a tape measure, and through them I got exactly what I needed at a price I'm happy with. Thank you, Dixie Classic Panels.