I've done a few shoulder mounts and I am getting ready to embark on my first lifesize mount. I have a bobcat that measures 1.75" nose to eye, 5.5" nose to back of head, 36" nose to base of tail and 17" at the widest belly point.
These measurements are from a dry tanned hide and I stretched it a bit at each measurement. The head measurements seem pretty normal but I'm not finding any forms in the length I should need. Lengthening a form looks like it wouldn't be too hard but my question is what true measurements should I expect after rehydrating a hide this size?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Has the hide been rehydrated? If not, all your measurements are invalid. Order a form that fits your cat as closely as possible. Cat skin or any thin skinned animal gets stretched and distorted during tanning. MAKE the hide fit the mannikin. The forms are anatomically correct 99 out of 100 times today and "stretching" one will make a dachshund out of a pug. Don't do it. You can scrunch hide and when you make the proper relief cuts under the legs, a lot of the "extra" hide you anticipated will be gone anyway.
Yep. Those measurements are before rehydrating.
If I rehydrate and measure, should I freeze it until the form arrives?
After a bit more archive surfing it sounds like it's common for cats to get stretched lengthwise during tanning which would explain why he seems a little out of proportion.
Thank you for the advice.
After you rehydrate it and get the proper measurements, then fold in half and freeze it till the form comes.
Try one of McKenzi's forms. I used one that was leaping at something, and it was used for a cat that measured 38 nose to base of tail & it turned out to be a huge manikin, I had to shave it for a long time--so I am sure that it will be plenty big enough for your cat!
I always stretch the width back into the cat and take my belly measurement. I then measure the length without moving the skin. You can't stretch it both ways. When you pull it out for length, you are taking away from the girth. Just the way that it works for me.
Les
DW, It's very common for people to try to make a bobcat as big as they can. Overestimating a cat's size results in hours spent on mannikin adjustments (ask me how I know). Resist the temptation to make that cat bigger than it was, in fact do yourself a favor and make it just a little smaller. Bobcats can be a pleasure or a nightmare and it's all about the fit. When you rehydrate stretch for width only and remember that when you get into the 30" cats they come with heavier legs and shoulders, you might get a skin to stretch for the body fit yet never get the legs to slide on. Enjoy, Aaron H.
Thanks for the advice.