Carousel Cats

The Dentzel workshop was the most prolific American carver of cats, each with a piece of prey in its mouth. Most Dentzel cats carry a fish or bird, but rare, potentially one-of-a-kind examples carry a frog, a squid, and a crab. The tails of Dentzel cats always stand directly up, likely to prevent riders from breaking them off by stepping or hanging on them. 

Philadelphia Toboggan Company sold a small cat figure on its kiddie carousels--though there is some speculation about whether or not the carving was actually completed by PTC or outsourced. It is believed that only one or two of these carousels were ever produced, so these cats are incredibly rare--potentially with only one or two in existence.

Herschell-Spillman also produced cats, typically with bows high up on their necks. Some have upright tails like Dentzel cats, while others have relaxed tails hanging between the rear legs. 

French carvers Bayol and Limonaire also made cats, usually with very simple paws and rounded ears.

Modern manufacturer Carousel Works produced cats in the Dentzel style and created their own variation: a pirate-themed cat with a peg leg, sword, and eye-patch.