Black panther spotted in Herts!

[Crewella]

This pic of Merrick 'doing the rounds' did make me laugh - it does remind me of those 'big cat' reports!

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[Lyn from Australia]

Gorgeous boy. Only one difference between him and a panther after all!

[HRHFluffy]

He certainly is gorgeous.

He looks very dark and mysterious

[Crewella]

Thanks! Of course, mine all are gorgeous , but I do believe Merrick is a fine looking cat and he's built like a proper little panther - wide chest, slim hips and a very long tail (which he carries over his back like a teapot handle when he's happy to see you)! It's only sice Coco-the-foster-cat came that I've realised just how black he is. Coco is black, but a reddish-black - she looks more brown in direct sunlight. Merrick is a much deeper shade - he almost looks blue-black in sunlight.

[KittyWitty]

Thanks! Of course, mine all are gorgeous , but I do believe Merrick is a fine looking cat and he's built like a proper little panther - wide chest, slim hips and a very long tail (which he carries over his back like a teapot handle when he's happy to see you)! It's only sice Coco-the-foster-cat came that I've realised just how black he is. Coco is black, but a reddish-black - she looks more brown in direct sunlight. Merrick is a much deeper shade - he almost looks blue-black in sunlight.

He might have some Bombay in him if he looks Blue-Black then!

[greenkitty]

Beautiful

[bobbys girl]

Your picture of Merrick made me smile, he really does look like a Black Panther!

The photo also reminded me of something that happened to friends a few years back. They had recently moved to Spain taking their tabby 'Cuddles' with them. She was in her element snoozing under the olive trees and chasing lizards.

While looking for a site they were staying in a hunting lodge on a ridge. One day they were outside, having lunch (alright for some ). Cuddles was mooching about the grounds. A few minutes later they saw her on a neighbouring ridge. As they wondered how she got there so fast, she strolled around the corner of the house! What they were looking at was a, very rare, Spanish Lynx!

[Crewella]

I just googled the lynx - how gorgeous are they! Lucky friends!

Out of interest, the lovely Bobby looks to be a similar blue-black colour to Merrick?

[SarahT1 [PLLE]]

What a lovely boy, Helen! He does look very mysterious.

[Walesgang]

Handsome fella

[bobbys girl]

Helen - When the photo was taken Bobby was a glossy blue-black. Now, his head is still black, but he gets progressively more dark brown towards his bum! Like his 'Auntie' Willow he has the classic black cat's Emerald eyes. Beautiful and slightly scary at the same time!

I really don't understand people's aversion to black cats. I've always had a special love of them - long before I 'owned' a cat.

There is a pub in town called The Black Cat Cove. It is named after a bend in the river. It is full of pictures, posters, ceramics of black cats, amazing! Black cats are called Bog Cats around here. Gold mine of useless information me!

[Crewella]

Oh I do know what you mean about slightly scary!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/ ... a7/007.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Actually, Merrick IS slightly scary - he's the one that growls at me if I open the door and it's raining, and he has taken a swipe at me more than once. But he's also the cat that spends most evenings on my lap.

I've just checked, his bum is the same colour as the rest of him, so far at least! He's 11.

The pub sounds wonderful!

[bobbys girl]

I know that look! Willow is very good at it, we call it the Medusa Look - you can feel yourself turning to stone! 'Agh NOOO, don't look at me like that! Whatever it is I've done/not done, said/not said, I'm sorry. PLEASE don't look at me like that!'

[Crewella]

The Medusa Look - love it!