veterinary avoidance

Appointment booked for Vet. Going to take horse and cat to surgery 8 miles away to save money for vet call-out. Cat disappeared - no finding him anywhere. Horse's eye looks fine, no sign of any inflammation. Phone Vet. cancel appointment. Cat appears from nowhere looking smug, and eye starts running on horse...Might try again on Monday if critters still alive (doubtful)! Eldest son sure that last night (good light) he saw large black cat (of the panther type) at bottom of horse field. Sensible lad. Knows difference between dog and cat. There is a track, footprints, plenty of tall cover...he very excited. Has set a 'trap', hoping to get a photo at least, friend has told him there's a reward for proof. No-one keen to take dog out for final pee last night - I drew short straw, and was neither attacked nor eaten. Phew. Don't give much for chickens' chances though! Guests packed sunshine in suitcases with dirty washing today, and normal rainy service returned. My feet wet.