A significant domestic cat, weighing 22 pounds and identified as part-Himalayan, is now residing at an animal shelter in Portland, Oregon, following a recent incident at his home.
Multnomah County Animal Services took custody of the cat, named Lux, on Monday. This action was initiated after Lux’s owners contacted the shelter, reporting an incident and requesting the cat’s removal from their residence.
Earlier in March, Lux became the center of media attention when his owner, Lee Palmer, made a 911 call on March 9. Palmer urgently requested police assistance to rescue his family from their part-Himalayan cat. According to Palmer’s statement to the dispatcher, the situation escalated when his 7-month-old infant, Jesse, interacted with Lux by pulling his tail. Lux reacted by scratching the baby on the forehead. Palmer admitted to kicking the cat in response, which he stated led to Lux becoming aggressive.
Fearing for their safety, Palmer, along with his girlfriend, Teresa Barker, and their Pomeranian dog, Smokey, retreated into their bedroom and barricaded the door. From inside, they contacted 911 as Lux reportedly wailed and screeched from outside the bedroom door.
Responding to the emergency call, Portland police officers arrived at the scene. They successfully captured Lux, who was found perched on top of the refrigerator, using a snare.
Fortunately, the infant Jesse did not require medical treatment, and no other family members sustained injuries during the event.
Initially, the family expressed their intention to keep Lux. However, the animal shelter clarified that no final decisions regarding the cat’s future had been determined at that time.
“We are currently collaborating with the owners to achieve the most favorable outcome for Lux,” the shelter announced on their website. They further added, “A local specialist in cat behavior has volunteered their expertise to assist Lux, whether he remains with his current owners or is rehomed with a new family.”
The shelter has indicated that they will release further details should the family decide to make Lux available for adoption.
