Marilyn,

Your description would rule out weasels, minks, martens, fishers, and
otters - all of who have furry tails. Muskrats do not have pointy
faces. Methinks perhaps what puss brought home for dinner, but not as
dinner - was either a brown or black rat. Although initially introduced
into New England they have established themselves fairly well. Some
thought that the black rat has been eradicated but their are reports
of it still being sighted. These critters can develop furry pelts in
the winter months. Does this look like your dinner guest:

<http://seminars.torontoghosts.org/blog/media/blogs/new/giantrat416.jpg>

"Let me tell you what it was. It was big, as big as a 10 month old
kitten - it had a pointy face, soft dark eyes, had a tail like a rat
only fatter. It was quiet - did not make a noise."

What amazes me is that your cat did not kill it - whatever it was. Or
that the critter tolerated being carried by a cat without attacking the
cat. If you ever get a chance, next time take a picture of it so that
someone can identify it for certain. Certainly an interesting mystery.

Tressie

Tressie A. Dutchyn, MA
ID PhD student, Dalhousie University 
Research Associate, Community Health & Epidemiology
 
http://port.mcgill.ca/dutchyn.htm

[Posted in FML 5898]