Residents living west of Sydney have this week been gripped by the story of an infamous black panther believed to be prowling in bushland deep in the heart of the countryside.

Just weeks after an alleged sighting of one of Sydney’s greatest urban legends, one Blackheath man filmed what was believed to be a panther-sized cat near the Coxs River in the Megalong Valley.

Steven Musier told the TODAY Show the animal he saw looked about five-times bigger than a normal feral cat – two-feet tall and as wide as the bonnet of a car.

The tall tale of the infamous Blue Mountains 'black panther' spotted last week has been blown wide open. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

The tall tale has had sceptics, hunters and many Sydneysiders wondering whether there really is a gigantic wild feline hiding in the bushland.

Now the furry, domesticated reality behind the Blue Mountains black panther has been blown wide open – and it’s really quite cute.

Local Blackheath resident Dannielle Duffy told 9News.com.au that the enormous ‘black panther’ that has caught everyone’s attention this week is, in fact, her 14-year-old short-haired rescue cat, Toby.

Dannielle Duffy has told 9News.com.au the apparent big cat is actually her pet, 14-year-old Toby, who loves a stroll through the bushland. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

“After checking the news footage, I was convinced immediately that the animal featured was our Toby,” she said.

“I know the exact location that the cat was filmed; I know my cat and how he moves, and I know that it was the neighbour’s house that can be seen in the footage.

“My first impression of this 'panther' was laughter. My children and I laughed and laughed because we knew straight away that it was just Toby on one of his walks.”

The revelation comes as sceptics, hunters and Sydneysiders were gripped by the story of a massive black cat seen stalking the Coxs River in the Megalong Valley. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

Mrs Duffy said that she believes Mr Musier filmed Toby from a road on one side of the Coxs River, while Toby was on the opposite river bank on her private property.

“(Toby) is such a tough fellow with a beautiful nature. He enjoys long walks and perusing the land side for feral rabbits,” she said.

Despite the mix-up however, she said that local hunters have since threatened to visit the surrounding area on a mission to shoot the apparent ‘panther’.

“I would urge people to research before they decided to hunt for something without the facts,” she said.

Blackheath man Steven Musier said he thought the animal he saw was five-times bigger than a feral cat. Picture: 9NEWS. (Nine)

“Shooting into private property is (also) against the law, regardless of the animal in their sights.”

As for Toby, Ms Duffy said he’s quite well-known as the homely cat that strolls the bushland, but with his newfound fame he’ll probably have to make it up to his feline brothers and sisters at home.

“Toby has always been famous to us and to everyone who has met him. He is a rock star, and we love him dearly,” she said.

The alleged sighting also came just a month after this image was released of another panther-like animal that was spotted at the Pulpit Rock lookout. Picture: Supplied. (Supplied)

“He will just be spoiled as usual - only, I think he'll have to make it up to his less famous siblings, Cleo and Milo - they're feeling a little left out.”

Mr Musier’s claims came just a month after another photo of an elusive ‘panther’ was posted to a local Instagram account.