It's been a while but there’s been another sighting of the
mysterious Sheppey big cat.

The “large and muscular” animal was spotted at Minster Park in
The Broadway.

Neil Arnold, of Kent Big Cat Research, reported the sighting
after it was posted on his website.

The witness, named as Mrs Smith, saw the large black cat, which
she said looked like a jaguar, at about 5pm one evening at the end
of last month while looking out of her caravan window.

She said it was casually strolling across the field and, when
she mentioned it to the security guards at the park, they said they
had seen it before.

It is thought the cat was seen roaming around a storage
yard.

Mr Arnold, who has been studying big cats for several years,
said it would not be a jaguar.

He added: “For almost a decade there have been sightings from
the Island, suggesting at least one large cat – a black leopard –
is roaming the area.

“Minster seems an area where the cat seems comfortable although
it could use all the Island.

“There is a lot of marsh and at night such an animal would
almost be invisible as it is extremely stealthy.

“I’ve taken several trips to the Island and this time of year
the vegetation is thick so a cat could hide easily unless it
crosses a road.

"It wouldn’t need to be taking sheep because there are so many
birds and rabbits. I’d be interested to hear if any sheep have been
taken, though.”

Earlier this year we reported how Mr Arnold hoped 2011 would be
the year he caught the Sheppey beast on film.

Although he still plans to come to the Island to film, he says
he needs some reports to follow up so he is encouraging Islanders
to get in touch with him if they have seen the cat.

Mr Arnold will be giving a talk on the big cats of Kent at the
Gatehouse Museum in Minster on Saturday, October 29.

If you have seen a big cat, phone Mr Arnold on 01634 819746 or visit his website