Ok, so I just got an order for a cake in September. They want a cat that is standing on all 4 legs. I'm thinking I am going to have to do some nifty work "Ace of Cakes" style.

Any ideas how to support the body?? I could use copper piping for the legs, but I'm having trouble coming up with how I can support the belly and a tail that has to go up.

I'll attempt to attach a pic so you guys can see the cake I have to attempt!!! I've never done anything like this so I really need the expert advice here guys!

Wow... that IS a challenge!

While I haven't done any shaped cakes without significant surface contact, here's a couple of thoughts:

For the underside of the belly, you could use a block of styrofoam (which would give you the ability to carve the shape a lot easier than a hard surface would)

As far as the tail goes, you could use rice krispies treats, which can also be coated with melted sugar for additional strength.

Good luck! And please make sure you post a picture of the finished product. I'd love to see it!

sketch to help

use either the white wilton hidden pillars glued to wood board or
use copper tubing (need flanges top and bottom) to create the base legs

I'd do a wood board under main body of cake for greatest support and stability and also stand it on wood board so could really lock those legs in.

as pointed out by xpressioncakes -- glue styrofoam under the board to carve for bottom of belly.

tail could be a piece of copper tubing bent and then covered in RKT

I've drawn in a second support board for the head so most of it could be cake and to keep it from squishing the front of th body

here too I'd do a wood board (masonite) and put it upon well attached wood or plastic dowels (could drill holes in both boards to glue dowels into.


HTH

Woah guys....thanks so much for the great ideas and wonderful drawing! It all sounds easy enough, but when actually going to do it, woah....we'll see how it turns out.

Sincerely, thanks for taking the time out to answer that post. I truly will use your ideas and will definitely post when I'm done with it (and give you credit of course, lol!!!) This will definitely be a cake challenge for me!