Sad News About Lux (Attack Cat)

mewsmomtoo · ‎03-05-2014

He is no longer with the couple who took him in at the end of his "My Cat from H*ll" Poor Lux, I am praying for a "forever home" for him: (edited to say I posted this over in Viewpoints as well)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In what truly epitomized the title of his TV show, "My Cat From H*ll," feline behaviorist Jackson Galaxy is calling his attempt to tame the Portland cat notorious for attacking a baby and boxing his panicked owners into a bedroom "the hardest case I have ever worked."

It got more difficult after the happy ending for the cat named Lux soon unraveled.

In the reality show that aired last weekend, Galaxy persuades another Portland couple to take Lux while the cat is treated with antidepressants and anti-seizure medication. A veterinarian diagnosed Lux with feline hyperesthesia syndrome, which can trigger violent behavior.

But after the episode's taping, Lux attacked his new guardians and they gave him up for their own safety.

"It was the worst letdown," Galaxy told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "I don't think I've ever had a bigger shock. This is the hardest case I have ever worked."

But take heart, Lux supporters.

The 4-year-old cat has become Galaxy's buddy, and the reality star says he hasn't given up. He's placed Lux in a veterinary clinic where the cat receives medication while undergoing treatment to try to identify what turns this feline Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde.

Lux became one of the most notorious cats in pet history after his owner called 911 on March 9 as the cat terrorized his family. Lee Palmer told dispatchers Lux had scratched his son's head and was out of control. The family barricaded themselves in a bedroom, and Lux could be heard screeching menacingly in the background.

Galaxy set up a series of meetings with Lux and his owners, who did not return messages seeking comment. The episode shown Saturday demonstrated the difficulty in solving the puzzle that is Lux.

In their first encounter, Galaxy walks into a bedroom where the cat's fearful owners have sequestered him. Galaxy sees Lux peeking out from behind a box. The cat's eyes are dilated, a sign of distress. He growls.

After making eye contact at the cat's level and offering treats, Galaxy is able to pick up Lux and put him on his lap. The cat returns Galaxy's affection as the tattooed TV host pets him.

"I do not see a vicious cat," Galaxy says. "I do not see a killer."

In the show, Galaxy temporarily puts Lux in the care of another couple to see whether the cat would be violent in a different home. Lux attacked one of its new owners. A Portland veterinarian suggests Lux be medicated, and the new owners agree to take Lux back.

At first, it went well. But after the show wrapped, the couple called Galaxy to say the cat had several violent episodes.

Galaxy said the cat was a danger to them and he understands why they couldn't keep him.

Despite the outbursts, everyone seems to fall for Lux, a long-haired cat with a sweet face. That's the case for Galaxy, who has dealt with thousands of difficult cats.

"I fell in love with him the second I met him," Galaxy said. "He's the sweetest boy in the world."

The reality star has made saving Lux from euthanasia his personal crusade.

The cat is at a clinic — Galaxy won't divulge the location — where specialists are trying to better understand the complicated feline. Galaxy works with them on treatment, and it's going well so far.

The medication is starting to work. Staff members at the clinic put Lux in different social situations to see how he responds. Galaxy hopes they can modify Lux's behavior so the cat can someday find a home.

"I'm going to keep working with this cat," Galaxy said. "I've got to be sure I give him the best shot."

beastielove · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks for the update.

With Jackson doing all that he can to save him and to help him I have no doubt that precious Lux will never be euthanized and that he'll eventually wind up in the loving forever home that he was always destined to be in.

Who knows...it may be with Jackson!

------------------------------------------------------

All of my children have paws =^..^=

jaxs mom · ‎04-18-2012

I was afraid they were going to say he'd been euthanized since that was what he said would be the alternative if that couple didn't keep him or the medication didn't work. I'm glad he is getting more medical help.

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval

spot555 · ‎03-09-2010

I just love Jackson- what a great guy. I swear the previous owners of Lux messed him up. Those two are weird....don't trust them one bit.

I'm rooting for Lux!

God Bless you Jackson!

Love4cats · ‎03-09-2010

I love Jackson. I know he will do all he can to help this sweet baby. I sure hope they can find what the problem is and help Lux feel better.

Rooney1 · ‎06-23-2010

I love Jackson. I have learned so much from watching his show. He is a GREAT guy!!!

If anyone can save Lux - it will be Jackson.

Good luck Lux.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

That cat is possessed!

Call the EXORCIST !!!

Houck Jason · ‎06-23-2014

Pheww I thought this was supposed to be for dogs!! Thanks God it's not a dog!! my dog has already been ruthless with strangers and newspapers.

mewsmomtoo · ‎03-05-2014

The following was posted on JG's website on June 18. It has a little more info than what was in the article posted. Notably, Lux's foster parents are still involved with him tho' it doesn't say exactly how. If you tweet, here is a hashtag for you #LuxLove:

I know that once his condition stabilizes, we will be able to resume his adoptive life. For now, however, Lux is staying in a unique and open veterinary space, simulating as close to a home environment as one can get. Since receiving this constant veterinary care, things have been progressing really well; he’s now responding to his medication, and his socialization is on target. Yes, I’m being cautious – can you blame me? Every single time I’ve made assumptions when it comes to Lux, I’ve had my lunch handed to me. I am fully committed to living in the present along with this cat. I’m also, as I am with all cats I consider clients, committed to him.

Mollie and Jim are still very much a part of Lux’s life. They continue to participate in his ongoing journey towards wellness. All of us, from myself and those involved in the making of My Cat From Heck, to the veterinary angels who have helped us, to his foster parents and Oregon Humane who found those foster parents, are united in his cause. And all of us have to believe that this is a winnable battle.

Scanning through the pages and pages of social media posts and emails, I can tell that this story, and more importantly, this cat, has found a home in the hearts of so many of you. My sincere hope is that as Lux recovers, his journey can shed a brighter light on the insidious nature of FHS. There are so many of you who are living with cats victimized by this syndrome, and you may have insights that will help an untold number of cats. Please – share your wealth of knowledge with the rest of this community. It will save lives. In the meantime, the story will of course, continue. And I will, of course, keep you in the loop as it unfolds.

Light, Love & Mojo,
Jackson