According to an article in the Seattle Times about Lux, the Portland, Oregon “Attack cat” (aka the 911 kitty), Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy said;
“I can say without hesitation that Lux is the most complicated character I think I’ve ever dealt with.”
Following its international media release last March, Lux’s story went viral. I suspect that most cat lovers would find it difficult to forget the hair-raising account of the close to 22 pound black and white kitty who, due to his aggressive behavior and “vicious” attack on their seven-month old toddler, drove his guardians, Portlanders Lee Palmer and Teresa Barker to lock themselves and their son and dog in their bedroom and call 911 for help and rescue.
Since Palmer admitted that he kicked the cat after he witnessed Lux attacking his son, the fur started flying around the internet. Some people angrily accused Palmer of animal cruelty while others were worried about what might ultimately happen to the distraught kitty
Although the production of the current season of “My Cat from Hell” had ended, fortunately for all concerned, after Jackson learned about the disastrous and dangerous situation, he became committed to find a way that would allow both the apparently combative cat and his terrified human companions to live in peace.
During Jackson’s first home visit encounter with Lux, he joined the kitty in a bedroom where his guardians had him locked away. Lux peeked up at him from a box in which he was hiding. The cat’s pupils were dilated; he growled and was obviously distressed. But after Jackson spoke softly to him and made eye contact, offering him some treats, Jackson was easily able to pick him up and put him in his lap. Jackson remarked,
“I do not see a vicious cat. I do not see a killer.”
After thoroughly evaluating the kittys behavior, Jackson suspected it was possible that Lux had an underlying medical condition causing his aggressive behavior. As part of their homework, Jackson asked the couple to have Lux evaluated by a veterinarian. The veterinarian found nothing wrong with Lux, but Jackson remained unconvinced and saught a second opinion.
Finally, Jackson was able to convince Lux’s guardians to allow their cat to be fostered by Mollie and Jim, a couple with no children or other pets living in their home. The couple fell in love with Lux and all went well for a few days. But once again Lux became extremely aggressive; attacking his foster parents.
However, another veterinarian finally diagnosed Lux with feline hyperesthesia syndrome which can trigger violent behavior. This painful neurological condition generally causes cats to attack themselves, but with Lux, his behavior was targeted at humans. To control his violent outbursts, Lux was put on anti-seizure and antidepressant medications.
Unfortunately, Jackson’s recent update is one that leaves us hanging. Due to Lux’s aggression, Mollie and Jim were not able to consistently give him the medication, or institute Jackson’s behavioral plans. While they loved him deeply, they too became extremely fearful of the kitty.
As a result Jackson felt that for the sake of all concerned it was time to put some short-range plans into effect. Jackson got Lux under the care of what he referred to as an “amazing cat hospital” where he could live temporarily, receive his medications and get the attention to start working on the behavioral plan Jackson had assigned to Mollie and Jim.
Jackson remains optimistic that once Lux’s condition is stabilized he will be able to resume his adoptive life. But for now, Lux is being housed at a very unique open veterinary space which is as similar to a home situation as possible. Under the care of this veterinary hospital, Lux is doing very well. He is responding to the medication and socialization project.
At the same time however, the Cat Daddy remains cautious since after making certain assumptions he has on occasions been fooled. But throughout all of these ups and downs, Jackson is remaining totally committed to this rather remarkable cat, as he is too all the cats with whom he works.
Mollie and Jim continue to participate in Lux’s life and his “journey to wellness”. All of Lux’s connections hope and believe that this battle can be won.
What makes Lux’s story so compelling to this writer, is that it illustrates how crucial it is not to jump to snap decisions when working with a fractious cat. We who greatly love and admire felines must be ready to commit to dig deeply and creatively when trying to solve difficult and mystifying feline behavior. Jackson Galaxy is a powerful exemplar of someone who is truly committed to helping cats. We all have much to learn from him.
How did you react to Lux’s story when you first heard about him? Have your opinions changed? Tell us in a comment.
I feel so bad for this kitty. How old is Lux? I have heard of cats having seizures and attacking when they get elderly, but I don’t think it is common. I had a Siamese mix who was a very affectionate, easy going and devoted companion 99% of the time…but once in a while he would get stressed and seem to ‘lose it’ and strike out at everyone. When this happened I would put him in a confined space until he calmed down, which he did. I don’t know what triggered it but it was not often. And I would never give up on him. I imagine Lux is in some kind of pain, physically and psychologically. I’m sure he doesn’t understand why his family treated him that way and he is fearful for himself now. A veterinary hospital may just be the best place for him and to study this feline behavior for future cases. Lux is beautiful – I hope he gets better and will have a peaceful life. He deserves it.
The small child probably caused the poor cat’s aggression, pulling his tail and whatever else he did that we don’t know about. The doting father allowed it and kicked the cat when he retaliated!
I’m just glad he’s out of that hell hole but how many more cats are living lives of abuse and misery because of irresponsible parents?
Any cat would turn aggressive living in that situation.
No cat should be subject to a small child’s abuse, idiot parents should supervise them at all times.
Dee,
There is no further information about thetype of medications being used for Lux except for anti-depressants and anti-seizure meds. But apparently Lux is responding to treatment. Will keep looking for new updates.
I can’t assign any blame to the fosterers really. I’m more baffled by their actions than anything else. They seem perfectly lovely and well experienced with cats. I understand that they turned him over because they were unable to be compliant with his med regime and behavioral therapy and not, simply, because they were afraid of him. It’s hard medicating a wild cat, but it can be done. I assume that they have only dealt with domesticated cats.
In any case, no matter how vicious Lux could become, I don’t think he would be able to kill me. There are some ways to subdue a cat-gone-wild that aren’t cruel.
I’m in agreement that he, more than likely, suffers from some sort of seizure disorder that all the MRI’s in the world won’t detect.
Prozac with the addition of Dilantin would seem appropriate. I hope he’s not on phenobarb because it can cause agitation.
Dee,
If you saw the original episode you would have “met” the foster parents. They have a ton of experience, but I think they probably minimized the kind of aggression that Lux displayed. He was a perfectly normal cat in their care for awhile then reverted. They knew that this was possible, since Jackson explained that carefully to them.
I don’t think they were to blame in backing out for now. They were not the youngest people either, but had tons of experience fostering. I wonder how many of us could put up easily with the kind of aggressive attacks that Lux would make?
But they are ready and willing to try again if everyone feels that he is ready for another try- or perhaps to another person who may feel more confident handling these episodes. I am not sure I could handle them, and I consider myself very flexible about kitties.
I have received some pretty serious scratches from Sir Hubble when he jumps off my lap ( if I am bare legged- and neglectful in trimming his hind claws) but that doesn’t bother me at all. I just wonder how I would do with a very vicious attack and a cat that acts like he wants to kill me.
Hi Jo, I do hope they find a workable solution. I almost always read your blogs. Sorry I’m such a poor poster. Busy, you know. lol