'Violent' cat sent to animal shelter

The "violent" cat that attacked a US family in their home is now living at an animal shelter, despite its owner's claims they would keep the rampaging pet.

Lux, the 10kg cat which held the Palmer family hostage in a bedroom of their Portland house, was taken to the Multnomah County Animal Services shelter on Monday, reports the Oregonian.

Shelter director Mike Oswald said the Palmers were "wrestling with the decision whether to keep the cat".

Lux will be put through the adoption process if the Palmers choose not to keep it.

The cat made global headlines last week after it lashed out at Jesse, the baby son of Lee Palmer and Teresa Barker.

When Palmer tried to shoo the pet away it became "very hostile" and forced the family to take refuge in the bedroom, where the father called 911.

Authorities were able to capture and subdue the pet.

Afterwards, Palmer said Lux has "been part of our family for a long time" and "we're not getting rid of him right now".

He said a "pet psychologist" would visit his home and attempt to treat the cat.