Homeowner Calls Police Over Potential Cat Burglar - And Realizes Just How Right They Were

We're all familiar with the term "cat burglar," but few of us ever think it's referring to a literal cat — until now. That's because police in Washington state got a call from a homeowner worried about a potential break-in, only to discover that a bobcat (not to be confused with domestic American bobtail cats) had gotten inside the house!

According to the Kirkland Police Department's Facebook post, when officers arrived to investigate a possible burglary in progress, they found a wild bobcat perched at the top of the stairs. After corralling the animal inside a room, it was sedated and safely released back out into the wild. It was stated that "officers believe the bobcat climbed a tree and jumped through an open window, possibly drawn inside by the resident's cat." Thankfully, the housecat was unharmed.

In the comments, people mainly joked around about the situation since it had a happy ending, saying things like, "A purrfect outcome," and "I would like to pet the danger kitten." Meanwhile, many commenters praised the police for keeping even the bobcat safe. We're sure the bobcat will never make this mistake again!

Seeing a bobcat in the wild can be an exciting experience — as long as you give it plenty of space. It's important to stay calm, keep your distance, and never run, as running may encourage the animal to chase. Instead, slowly back away while keeping an eye on it and giving it an easy escape route, as it probably wants to get away from you as much as you want to get away from it!

If the bobcat wanders into your yard while you or any members of your family are outside (including pets), make yourself seem like an uninviting neighbor by standing tall and making noise or using a garden hose to encourage it to leave. If you have small children or pets with you, pick them up and slowly move inside (in fact, keeping pets indoors, especially between dusk and dawn, and securing small livestock is highly recommended at all times). Most importantly, don't block the bobcat's path or try to feed it or get closer for a photo.

If a bobcat somehow gets into your house, don't try to corner it or chase it. Keep your distance, move people and pets into a safe room, and give the animal a clear path back outside if it's safe to do so. If it won't leave or you are in danger, contact your local police or animal control officer for help. Remember: The goal is not to hurt the bobcat; it's to remind it that people and their property aren't worth investigating! Want to learn more about wild animals? Here are some of the friendliest wild animals that love humans, and the difference between wild dogs and domesticated dogs.

If you encounter an injured or sick wild animal, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for help. To find assistance in your area, visit the Humane Society of the United States website or Animal Help Now's online directory.