Couple trapped by cat to get it help

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The 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.

Two days after police arrived to subdue the 4-year-old cat, owner Lee Palmer of Portland said he's taking the feline to a veterinarian.

"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.

On the 911 call, Palmer tells the dispatcher he kicked the cat "in the rear" to protect his child. Palmer says the animal "just went off over the edge" -- leading Palmer and his girlfriend to barricade themselves in the bedroom.

The cat can be heard screeching in the background of the call 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 been violent in the past.

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

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.