Fight or Flight
Animals, by definition, have their wild instincts. When they are unsure about something new, some animals turn to flight or combat mode as a first response. This cat took the fight option. Nothing drove the quick assault, and the owner was not aware of it until it was too late.

This device was not designed to harm its owner, but it, nevertheless, turned on its OP. Because this incident occurred rather quickly, the cat may have been startled. For the pet’s owner, it must have been an awful moment.