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Santa goes through a lot during the holidays -- from crying babies to kids with endless wish lists. However, one pet-store St. Nick had to defend himself against an animal who tried to put the claws in Santa Claus.

The man vs. beast drama unfolded during a charity event last weekend at a New Jersey PetsMart, where people brought their pets to be photographed with Santa. Jonathan Bebbington, who played Santa, was clawed and bitten by a large cat during the photo shoot.

"It bit my wrist and my hand several times. It actually drew blood," Bebbington told a local paper. "It had very powerful jaws and big teeth, and could probably have bitten the hand off a baby or small child."

Turns out that the pretty kitty was actually someone's "pet" bobcat, and it freaked out after seeing the dogs in the store. Benny the cat weighed about 30 pounds and was still considered a kitten (bobkitten?).

After the incident occurred and the picture was developed, the cat and its owner disappeared. Onlookers said the owner mentioned that she had a permit for the Wyoming-bred animal and that it was vaccinated.

Unfortunately, Bebbington (who'll continue to play Santa) may have to go through a series of painful rabies shots starting Thursday if the cat's medical records aren't found.

Also on Lemondrop ... more oversized animals. These blubbery beasts may not be as dangerous as a bobcat, unless of course they sit on you. Click through below to see some ferociously chubby animals.


Obeasts

    "Stop standing next to me, you're making me look fat."

    Getty Images

    This Chinese cat weighs 33 pounds, as much as four cats of average weight (or 132 sticks of butter).

    This big boy is a little down in the dumps. Perhaps it's the high carb diet?

    Flickr

    This cat's more than a little bit of a couch potato.

    Flickr

    Pug lug.

    Flickr

    This big guy was rescued by the Humane Society after getting stuck in a pet door while attempting to steal some dog food. Embarrassing.

    AP

    Is it just us, or does that dog look scared?

    AP

    This Labrador, named Chubby Charlie, was forced to go on a crash diet after ballooning to 168 pounds.

    AP

    These fat monkeys live in a tiny enclosure in a Japanese park. Their considerable monkey bulk is blamed on overfeeding by visitors.

    AP

    There are fat pigs, and then there are fat pigs.

    AP