furballs in larger cats

[catqueries]

I have found a very large furball in the fields near to where I live could this come from a large wild cat? There have been reported sitings of a panther type sized cat in the area. The fur ball is 12 inches long and has a diameter of 1 inch at its widest part. Do other animals get furballs, could it have come from a fox or badger?

[wildwood]

Could you confirm that you mean12 inches. It seems extraordinary long, even if it came from a panther.

Any mammal that groom with the tongue can get furballs but it rarely happens in the wild because of their diet.

[catqueries]

yes it was 12 inches long varying in diameter from 1 inch to half inch. When I picked it up it was still wet and now it has dried, so it is now shrunk a little. It is packed with hairs that are light brown in colour. Can it be tested to see what animal it came from?

[wildwood]

When you talk testing you are talking big money. It would be interesting to learn what your local RSPCA would make of it though. It could be the proof that a large cat is free in your area. It would not be the first time that a leopard has existed for a considerable time in a semi-wild state because the 'owner' is afraid to report the escapee for fear of hefty fines or license issues.

[catqueries]

might just get a professional opinion from a local vet. Will keep you posted, thanks wildwood.