Fantasy Book Club discussion

I have a question, very obscure and very little info, but I thought I would ask. Does anyone know the name of a certain book I am looking for? I read it as a kid probably around 1985ish. The cover depicted a panther and some guy going down a road. I think there was a castle in the background. I believe that in the story the panther could talk and was some sort of companion to the guy. It was, I think, the first book in a series. Unfortunately, I am vague after that. Not much to go on, but any help would put my mind at ease! Thanks!

lol the Jungle Book?

Homeland?

It's a little after 1985, but there's a panther.

Original cover:

Good one about the Jungle Book! Nope on the other books, too. It wasn't so dark. Thanks for the help though. I don't think I have enough information to give for a positive ID. I just remember a vague feeling that it was an enjoyable read and I was interested in trying it out again.

There was a series by an Australian author a while back with a talking panther/mountain lion. Only two of the 3 books were published. It was about a war between the people and the fey. Is that it. I don't remember the author or title

Just figured it out!! The name Lawrence Watt-Evans popped into my head on the way to work. Checked it out and that was it! For those of you with any interest, the series is called The Lords of Dus. The first book is called The Lure of the Basilisk. Pretty happy about how close I came to remembering the cover, too. Here is what it looked like when I read it:
LURE OF THE BASILISK

Thanks again for the help.

I read that, but it's been years. Too many, because I don't recall any of those clues.

I loved that series, at least from what I remember 26 years ago.