Family says crazed cat that prompted 911 call will stay with them


The Oregon owners of a 22-pound housecat that trapped them in their bedroom after attacking their baby say they're not giving up on their pet and are getting it medical attention and therapy. The cat attack story gained national attention after police put out a news release about it Monday. Palmer says the family has had proposals from people wanting to adopt Lux, but the family is not taking them up on it.

Two days after police arrived to subdue the 4-year-old part-Himalayan cat, owner Lee Palmer of Portland said he would take the feline to a veterinarian. A pet psychologist also was due at the house to see the cat, named Lux.

"We're not getting rid of him right now," Palmer said. "He's been part of our family for a long time."

Palmer says the animal attacked his 7-month-old child after the baby pulled its tail. The child suffered a few scratches on the forehead.

According to KPTV, the ferocious feline — a 22-pound Himalayan named Lux — "went over the edge" Sunday evening after it was punished for scratching a couple's 7-month-old baby. The baby was not injured.

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When the peeved pet began charging at its owners, the family and their dog hid in a bedroom, where they called 911.

"He's got kind of a history of violence," the caller said, adding that the cat continued to charge whenever they tried to open the door.

When officers arrived on the scene, the fat cat “attempted to flee custody” by running into the kitchen. Police used a dog snare to trap Lux in a crate.

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"The cat remained behind bars in the custody of the family, and officers cleared the scene and continued to fight crime elsewhere in the city," Portland police said in a press release.

AP contributed to this report.