Cat stuck up a tree
Many cats love to climb and might scramble up a tree because they find it exciting or are scared and seeking shelter. If your cat finds itself up a tree, it might need a helping hand to get back down. It can take a while for them to feel brave enough to climb down on their own, and there’s always a risk they could fall and get injured. To minimise the risk of falls, injury, and to help ease their anxiety, we recommend acting quickly to get your cat down.
Entice your cat down
Your first step can be to try and lure your cat down. You could try calling their name or tempting them with some food and water. Place bowls of these at the bottom of the tree, and if your cat has a favourite treat, bringing that out might encourage them to smell their way down.
You could also try climbing a little way up the tree yourself and placing a favourite treat on a branch to tempt them down.
If there’s a risk your cat might try to jump from a height, it’s a good idea to have a few people working together. You could stretch out a sheet or a tarpaulin between you to try and catch your cat if they fall or jump.
Climb up and meet them
Often, a cat won't come down by themselves. In this case, it might be helpful for you to climb up a bit to see if they feel encouraged to come down. Make sure you're wearing sturdy clothing, as your cat might scratch you when they jump down. Also, bring a backpack or bag to put them in once you’re ready to climb down. It's a good idea to ask someone to hold the ladder steady or ensure it's securely placed before you start climbing, to avoid any accidents.
Should you call the fire brigade?
You might have heard that you can call the fire brigade for help rescuing cats from trees. While this used to be an option, fire services and rescue teams are generally unable to attend these calls anymore. You’re more likely to get help from professional climbers or arborists.
To find these specialists, you can contact your local climbing club or companies that deal with tree removal. There are also many Facebook groups, such as 'We help cats in trees,' where you can find tips and connect with experienced climbers and arborists who can help get cats down safely.
How long can a cat stay up a tree?
It doesn't take long for a cat to start getting weak. Without food or water, and having to cling to a branch, they can weaken quickly. Dehydration, exhaustion, and cold all increase the risk of the cat falling and injuring itself. It’s difficult to say exactly how long it takes for a cat to become weak, but waiting too long for them to come down on their own or for you to help them down carries risks.
If a cat hasn't had food or water for a day or two, there’s a risk of dehydration, which can then affect their internal organs. If your cat has been up the tree for a day or more, it's advisable to take them to the vet for a check-up to ensure they're okay. A vet can also help to restore their fluid balance.
