Balancing themes

I am due for my next tattoo next week, and although I'm very excited about it I am also already pondering my next one. I know what I want but I'm having a very difficult time getting it down on paper. I'm not likely to get this one anytime soon, but I always draw up and think about designs long before I get them. My problem is this: I want it to be a piece dedicated to my cat. I want it to look like her, yet at the same time I am not looking for a portrait. For a small house cat she has the attitude of a big cat and is fiercly protective of me. It is more of her attitude that I want to show, but at the same time she is a lovely thing and I want to capture some of her features. I'm looking to place this on my side, and I'm not afraid of letting it get big. I'm thinking from about the ribs to just above my hip, or on my hips and onto my thigh for placement. Does anyone know of any artists who they can suggest for this? Anyone have ideas on how to get that balance of house-cat and wild protector just right? I'm not looking to get this inked anytime soon, but having the design so that I can play with it is very important to me!

Yes, Nick Baxter is an animal lover and would do this tattoo perfect.