Advice On Taxidermy Please

teddysmum

ripplyuk wrote: »

I've spoken to a taxidermist near to me about getting my rabbit mounted when he dies. She does do pets if someone really wants it and quoted around £250 for a rabbit, but she strongly discourages it, and really tried to put me off. She said people are always disappointed with it. It's impossible to recreate what they really are wanting, which is the personality of their pet.

I think it's better suited to animals you like the look of, rather than ones you love.

As I wrote above. The spirit is in the eyes and once that is gone, the body is not the same.


If anyone is interested I know of someone who does gorgeous portraits, from photos. She gets expression in the yes. (I have no financial interest and haven't not been in contact with her for years).

TBagpuss

If you do decide you want to go ahead, then this may be helpful.
http://www.taxidermy-uk.net/pets/index.html

I would suggest that you do some research to see whether you can find a qualified taxidemist near you, and see whether they have a portfolio they can show you oftheir work, and possibly even let you see examples of their work so you can get a feel for what your cat might be like if you were to go ahead.

As others have said, I would suggest that you consider very carefull whether you would find it a comfort to have her around in this way - one of the things I love about my cats is how soft, warm and gracful they are - none of which would last if they were taxidermied. I have never had a pet stuffed but have been with them after they died- when my old cat (similar to yours, he had been with me for 18 years) had to be put to sleep the vets wer very good, they let me have time with his body and they had, I suspect, arranged him to look natural (I had taken him in as he was poorly, he was supposed to be staying in for tests and initial treatment buut then got suddenly worse, so I wasn't able to be with him when he was PTS). I was glad that I was able to see him to say goodbye, but touching him, and feeling how stiff and unresponsive he was, just emphasised the fact that it was not him anymore. I suspect that a taxidermided cat would be the same.

Of course, that doesn't mean you should not get it done if you feel it would be right for you, or even if you would like to have him because you like to look of taxidermy generally.

I would very strongly recommend that you don't go ahead unless you have seen examples of the taxidermist's work - bad taxidermy can be very bad indeed!

stir_crazy

I wholeheartedly agree with paddypaws, having been there when my last cat was PTS. For me, it wouldnt have been the same having his body there but "him" not being there. I have his ashes in our back bedroom and I can think about the good times when I see the box.