Shine OnCat whisperer to tame 22-pound cat that terrorized Oregon family
A four-year-old cat named Lux has become an Internet sensation after his Oregon owners called 911 in a plea for help, claiming their feline pet terrorized them.
Owner Lee Palmer reached out to cat whisperer Jackson Galaxy -- host of Animal Planet's "My Cat from Hell" -- to help tame his aggressive cat, which he claims simply went off-the-handle one day.
Palmer says the part-Himalayan attacked his baby and trapped his family in a bedroom after his seven-month-old pulled Lux's tail. The cat responsed by scratching the baby, at which point Palmer kicked the cat.
"Every parental site on the Internet blames the cat for this confrontation. Every pet site blames the family," Galaxy tells the Associated Press. "We need to step away from the hysteria. There is a story behind all this. Don't assume anything."
Galaxy notes that cats do not act aggressively for no reason and that he has seen cats behave similarly to Lux because of an abscessed tooth, a brain tumour, hyperthyroidism or diabetes. However, he doesn't rule out the possibility that Lux simply reacted to his tail being pulled or being kicked.
Also see: Five signs you're a bad pet owner
"[It] may have been the last straw," he says. "If you want a blanket statement on how to deal with aggression, how about, 'Don't set the cat up for failure.'"
There are a few key things owners can do keep out-of-control cats calm.
Make sure your cat always has an exit point. Cats don't like being cornered and if they feel threatened with nowhere to move, they may lash out.
Encourage a timeout space where your cat can chill and regain peace.
Stop fights between cats with a simple piece of cardboard placed in between the two cats. It will block their vision and provide momentary distraction, at which point they should be led to their timeout space.
Spraying your cat with a water bottle is also a good way to discourage bad behaviour without triggering aggression.
If these options do not work, you may want to consult with your vet about possible medications.
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