Cat strecher prefrences.

[jasonrinebold]

I've always used wood split strechers and try and get my cats long and no more than 8 1/2 to 9 inches wide for a big cat at the base. I've heard of guys using solid wood strechers that are formed? I've put a few small cats on metal strechers and thought they looked good but worn't really the right shape for cats. I'm needing to buy and or build some strechers in the next few weeks, I was wondering about the solid strechers. If anyone out there likes theres and possible get some measurements. Thanks.

[MadCatter]

Jason, Fur Harvesters Auction Inc. has a pelt handling guide that gives the dimensions for stretcher boards. For bobcat/lynx, here is what they print for width of board at various points along the length:

2" = 3" wide
6" = 5" wide
12" = 6 1/2" wide
24" = 6 3/4" wide
40" = 7 1/2" wide
72" = 8" wide

You can search for their name on the net, and download this PDF guide which includes diagrams of the boards.

I personally have never used solid boards, but get along fine with the split wood and metal ones. I can tell you that they recomend leaving the front legs turned in for thier auction, but our local auction does not want front legs turned in. I did that on two cats and was assured that it cost me money.

Hope that helps,

Travis