Toddler recurring nightmare/fear

I need help! All of a sudden, my 2.5 year old keeps waking up early in the morning screaming and claims she's having nightmares about a "big kitty." The "big kitty" first made an appearance around 2 years old but she'd only have the nightmare once a month or so. I have asked her questions about it and the kitty is purple and cute (so why is it scary????). She is convinced the kitty is hiding in any shadow and is now using it as a reason she doesn't want to nap or go to bed at night. I can't help but feel manipulated because I have tried various air fresheners/monster sprays, extra snuggles, extra songs, praying the St. Michael prayer (the one catholics pray to keep away bad spirits), and showing her the crucifix on her wall saying Jesus will keep her safe. My husband has even pretended to shoot the kitty with a nerf gun. Nothing is working! She doesn't watch any violent movies/TV and there is no "big kitty" character in her TV shows so I really don't know where this is coming from. Anyone dealt with a similar situation? Any and all advice is welcome; I'll try anything at this point.