"Depends on the situation and from what I can deduce from the article, it's more a case of territory defense than just random cat attacks with a dose of boredom thrown in for good measure.
"
Doesn't matter. The article said that the cat attacked passers-by. I pass by lots of houses every day, walking on the sidewalk. While the cat may think I'm on its territory, that's of little interest to me. If it attacks me, it's finished.
I don't recognize animals' territories. I recognize property lines and public walkways.
It is a very rare thing for a cat to attack a passer-by. Cats generally avoid strangers or, if they're exceptionally friendly, approach strangers in a friendly way. I pet lots of cats on my daily walks. Others avoid me.
A cat that attacks humans has something wrong with it. I will not tolerate such a thing. I'm big and strong, and can certainly put an end to any household cat. A small child might not be able to do that and could be seriously harmed.
The owner of any animal that attacks humans who are not encroaching on the owner's property should confine the animal. If they do not, then the consequences are theirs. I will defend myself or anyone else from an animal attack. In that defense, I will attempt to end the attacking animal's life. I do not tolerate vicious animals that are loose.
"tolerate vicious animals that are loose."
VICIOUS animals are one thing, an eccentric cat is something else. Didn't any of these people figure out that if this was the cat's habit that it could be broken pretty quick? A bucket of water has cured many a cat from many different habits.