Jake is a gentle giant.

The nine-year-old cat has no interest in messing with any other animals near his Jarvis Street home in Coquitlam.

But on Wednesday night, Jake was in the fight of his life.

He was out in the backyard when four raccoons attacked him, dragging him across the grass toward the driveway.

Rona Wilkman, Jake's owner, heard the commotion from the kitchen just a few feet away.

She said the family tried to scare away the raccoons, but they weren't budging.

The raccoons had the cat pinned down.

It took Wilkman's partner to kick one of the animals away before they finally let go of Jake, scurrying into the dark of night.

"They were quite aggressive," she told The NOW.

Fortunately, after a trip to the vet, Jake is OK.

He lost a bit of fur, had a few scratches and was still a little more than freaked out the following day.

Wilkman, who has lived at the home for six months, said she's well aware raccoons are in the neighbourhood, but was surprised by the group's viciousness and behaviour.

"If we hadn't have been there, I don't think we would have had a cat," she said.

The incident has Wilkman warning other small pet owners in her neighbourhood that the raccoons can attack and be dangerous.

As for Jake, his outdoor days are likely done for a while.

"We don't want him outside right now," Wilkman said.

jdeutsch@thenownews.com

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