Cat to undergo therapy after attack on baby

The Oregon owners of a 22lb house cat who 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.

Days after police arrived to subdue the 4-year-old part-Himalayan cat, owner Lee Palmer of Portland says he’s taking the feline to a vet.

A pet psychologist also is due at the house to see the cat, named Lux.

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

On the 911 call, the cat can be heard screeching in the background as Palmer says in a panicked voice: “He’s charging us. He’s at our bedroom door.”

Palmer also tells the dispatcher the cat has a “history of violence”.

Officers used a dog snare to capture the cat, and placed it in a crate.

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

On the 911 call, Palmer tells the dispatcher he kicked the cat “in the rear” to protect his child.

Palmer says the animal then “just went off over the edge” — leading Palmer and his girlfriend to barricade themselves, their baby, and their dog in the bedroom for safety.

The cat attack story gained attention around the world after police put out a news release about it.

Palmer says the family has had proposals from people wanting to adopt Lux, but the family is not taking them up on it.

In Sunday’s incident, Palmer tried unsuccessfully calling animal control before resorting to dialling 911.

“He’s kind of a violent cat already... he’s charging us, he’s at our bedroom door,” Palmer told police.

Amid howling in the background, Palmer asked the 911 dispatcher: “Do you hear him?”

“Yeah, yeah, I hear him,” said the female emergency call operator, in a calm voice.

“We are debating what to do,” Palmer said afterwards. “We definitely want to keep the cat away from the baby, and keep an eye on his behaviour.”