+1 on Philip Souncy. Google him to see his work (and awards). I've seen several of his in person, and they are great. I mean they looked like they were actually alive! However, I've seen other taxidermists work that was just as good, but just not every time. So do you gamble on someone that has turned out "some" good cats, or do you go with a person that you know will make it look real?
Elks said it best at the end of his post! I'm going to have to remember that one.