The ball-tailed cat (Felis caudaglobosa) is a fearsome critter of North American folklore most commonly described as having similar traits to that of a mountain lion, except with an exceedingly long tail to which there is affixed a solid, bulbous mass for striking its prey.[1] Tales of ball-tailed cats were common among woodsmen during the turn of the 20th century and many variations exist; two of the more prominent variants are the digmaul and the sliver cat. The latter is distinguishable for not only having a smooth-sided ball for knocking wayfarers unconscious, but in addition a spiked-side for piercing and grappling its victims.[2]

Ball-tailed cat
GroupingLegendary creature
Sub groupingFearsome critter
FolkloreAmerican folklore
Other name(s)Sliver cat
Digmaul
Felis caudaglobosa
CountryUnited States

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Tryon, Henry Harrington (1939). Fearsome Critters. Cornwall, NY: Idlewild Press.
  2. ^ Cohen, Daniel (1975). Monsters, Giants, and Little Men from Mars: An Unnatural History of the Americas. New York: Doubleday.