A video showing the cat chasing the dog from the little boy was posted online and shared thousands of times through different social networking outlets.
That cat was later revealed to be a female feline named Tara who set out to protect her owner’s son, Jeremy, who is also on the autistic spectrum.
In an interview with local news, Jeremy referred to the canine as a ‘mean dog’ whilst he cuddled heroic pussycat Tara.
Jeremy was left needing 10 stitched on his leg following the attack, which was brought to a stop when feisty Tara ran out to protect him.
It was reported that the dog escaped when its owner was pulling out of his gated driveway.
According to local police, the owner called them about the attack on behalf of the boy and his mother.
Police have also revealed that the animal will be quarantined for 10 days before it’s euthanized.
‘The owner later delivered the animal to the Bakersfield Animal Centre,’ a spokesman for Bakersfield Police said.
Watch the interview with Jeremy (and Tara) below: