Mysterious Big Cat Sighting in Bramerton Sparks RSPCA Investigation

Bramerton big cat sighting: A Bramerton big cat sighting has triggered an investigation by the RSPCA after a large mysterious feline resembling a leopard was spotted roaming a field in the Norfolk countryside, reports The Sun.

The unusual sighting occurred in Bramerton, a village near Norwich, where a local resident captured footage of what appeared to be a large wild cat walking across open land. The video quickly drew attention online, prompting wildlife experts and animal welfare officials to look into the case.

What happened in the Bramerton big cat sighting?

The animal was spotted earlier this week by Tom Baker, 27, while he was out walking his dog near Bramerton. Speaking about the encounter, Baker said: "Originally we thought it was a big fox, but we zoomed in on our camera and thought it looked like a leopard."

He added: "It was a lot larger than a normal cat. We turned around and walked swiftly away and luckily the dog was on the lead."

According to Baker, nothing similar had been seen in the area before, making the sighting particularly unusual.

Experts believe it may be an escaped exotic cat

Wildlife specialists do not believe the animal is a wild leopard. Instead, experts suspect it could be a serval or a Savannah cat, both of which are exotic feline species sometimes kept as pets in the UK.

A Savannah cat is a hybrid breed created by crossing a serval with a domestic cat. These animals are known for their long legs, large ears and athletic abilities.

RSPCA and police issue public appeal

The RSPCA said it has not received any reports of a missing serval or Savannah cat. Norfolk Police also confirmed that no official reports of an escaped exotic feline had been filed. However, authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any sightings.

The mystery may be closer to being solved than first thought. Kevin Murphy, who runs Norfolk Wildlife Rescue, said someone claiming to be the animal's owner has contacted him.

He said: "I believe it is a Savannah cat." Murphy added: "There are no inherent risks but there is always a small risk with any animal."

He further stated: "It is still roaming as far as I am aware but someone has contacted me who may be the owner."

Murphy has advised anyone who spots the animal not to chase it or attempt to scare it away.

RSPCA raises concerns about exotic pets

The incident has also renewed debate about keeping exotic animals as household pets.

Evie Button, a senior scientific officer at the RSPCA, said: "We have concerns about the breeding, trade and keeping of wild - or 'exotic' - animals kept as pets, including those classified as dangerous wild animals, such as servals."

She added: "Some species - like servals - are unsuitable to be kept as pets because their needs are too complex to be met in a household environment."

Button also urged prospective owners to do proper research before acquiring exotic animals.

"We would encourage prospective owners of any exotic pet to thoroughly research the animal's needs, using expert sources and only consider keeping one if they can ensure they are fully able to provide for these needs."

Where is Bramerton?

Bramerton is a small village on the banks of the River Yare in Norfolk, located a few miles southeast of Norwich. Known for its countryside landscapes and walking routes, the area is not typically associated with sightings of large exotic cats, making the incident all the more remarkable.

Is the big cat still on the loose?

As of now, wildlife officials believe the animal may still be roaming the area, although efforts are underway to identify and safely recover it if it is indeed an escaped pet.

For local residents, the Bramerton big cat sighting remains a rare and surprising encounter—one that has sparked curiosity, concern and plenty of questions about how an exotic feline ended up wandering through the Norfolk countryside.