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How to Tan Bobcat Fur

Bobcat furs often make attractive display pieces and souvenirs. Tanning a bobcat fur is similar to tanning the fur of a larger animal, and it consists of two processes: preparing the fur and tanning the fur. The preparation process includes fleshing and washing the bobcat fur. The tanning process involves softening and smoking the fur. The results of tanning by an amateur taxidermist will probably not be of professional quality on the first try, and the entire process may take several attempts to perfect.

Things You'll Need

Fleshing beam
Fleshing knife
5-gallon bucket
Baking soda
Pig or cow brain
Wooden board
Smokehouse

Instructions

Preparing the skin
- 1
  Remove the excess flesh from skin by placing the bobcat skin on a fleshing beam and scraping the flesh side of the skin with a fleshing knife.
- 2
  Wash the fur by soaking it in a 5-gallon bucket containing a solution of water and an ounce of baking soda for each gallon of water used. Use enough water to completely submerge the bobcat fur.
- 3
  Remove the fatty and glandular tissue by placing the skin flesh side up on a large, flat surface and scraping the skin with a sharp knife.
- 4
  Rinse off the skin, but do not wring it out.
Tanning the skin
- 5
  Combine 1 pound of brain with 2 gallons of warm chlorine-free water in a 5-gallon bucket.
- 6
  Soak the fur in the brain and water solution overnight.
- 7
  Remove the fur from the solution and remove excess solution from the fur by squeezing it gently.
- 8
  Nail the fur to a board and stroke the hide with a smooth tool, such as a canoe paddle, until it dries.
- 9
  Smoke the fur for several hours in a smokehouse. Use semi-rotten wood during the smoking process so the fur does not overheat.

Animals & Science