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Woman injured in 'big cat' attack | Woman injured in 'big cat' attack |
(about 13 hours later) | |
An elderly woman has reported being attacked by a large cat in the Highlands. | An elderly woman has reported being attacked by a large cat in the Highlands. |
Pat MacLeod, 74, from Ardross Road in Alness, told police she was injured by a 3ft-long cat while putting out her bins earlier this week. | Pat MacLeod, 74, from Ardross Road in Alness, told police she was injured by a 3ft-long cat while putting out her bins earlier this week. |
Mrs MacLeod, who suffered deep cuts to her legs and cuts and scratches on her hands, needed stitches in hospital. | Mrs MacLeod, who suffered deep cuts to her legs and cuts and scratches on her hands, needed stitches in hospital. |
Police and Scottish Natural Heritage are trying to trace the cat, which has been described as grey coloured. | Police and Scottish Natural Heritage are trying to trace the cat, which has been described as grey coloured. |
Mrs MacLeod said it was the second time she had been attacked by a cat outside her home and on this occasion the animal sprang at her as soon as she made eye contact. | Mrs MacLeod said it was the second time she had been attacked by a cat outside her home and on this occasion the animal sprang at her as soon as she made eye contact. |
'Shockingly strong' | 'Shockingly strong' |
She said the "shockingly strong" cat managed to drag her some distance and expressed concern about what might happen if a child encountered the animal. | She said the "shockingly strong" cat managed to drag her some distance and expressed concern about what might happen if a child encountered the animal. |
Northern Constabulary said an unprovoked attack would be very uncharacteristic of a Scottish wildcat and suggested that the animal may be a hybrid of a domestic and feral cat. | Northern Constabulary said an unprovoked attack would be very uncharacteristic of a Scottish wildcat and suggested that the animal may be a hybrid of a domestic and feral cat. |
A force spokesman said there had previously been sightings of big cats in the area, but no reports of attacks. | A force spokesman said there had previously been sightings of big cats in the area, but no reports of attacks. |
Police have advised anyone who sees a "unusually large" cat not to approach it or feed it. | Police have advised anyone who sees a "unusually large" cat not to approach it or feed it. |