Cats are notorious for having infamous incidents. This is partly credited to their independent nature unlike dogs, who enjoy being present in their surroundings. Cats love to wander around and do things their own way. My best friend’s cat, over the years, has grown his mischievous streak, as his family would go out every evening to search for him. He would either be found sleeping at the neighbours’ doormat or stuck behind another society’s gate, the list goes on. The most common solo hangout place for the cat is on the tree.
Besides, the comical ways in which the majority of the cats spread out, a situation like this is always terrifying for the pet parent. With claws shaped like fish hooks, cats find it easier to climb on trees which feels like nature’s escape to them, until they realise that they are stuck. This is a natural occurrence among cats, so as pet parents’ awareness of this matter becomes highly crucial. The only safe way for them is to get down backwards which they are unwilling to do for the most part. The upside is that cats can actually survive in trees for a long amount of time. While the situation is not ideal for both the pet and the pet parents, it is comforting to know that they are safe as long as they are not dehydrated.
If the tree is less than 20 ft. tall, try rescuing the cat with a ladder. More experienced rescuers can try attaching a rope to a weighted object, say, a tennis ball tied up with rocks and carefully toss it over a branch next to the cat. Then, use the rope to pull up the cat carrier. The most important step is to not panic, and reach out for help or any form of assistance in your local neighbourhood. People are always willing to help and being solution-oriented is half the battle.
However, such incidents can be prevented by understanding the environmental cues of your cat. If your cat has the tendency to climb up trees, try putting it in your own yard or personal space, with curated distractions and spaces to wander for your cat. If that is not a possibility, supervising outdoor visits can prove to be very resourceful. Not only will your cat be safe, but you will get the opportunity to scan out your cat’s whereabouts and assess any patterns that you can take precautionary steps towards in order to prevent an accident.
Lastly, do not be hard on your pet as well as yourselves. Cats have a different way of living than humans so it becomes important to be patient with them and understand that they are wired differently. If you fall into the difficult situation of having your cat stuck on a tree, do not account for it as a pet parent failure. Sometimes these incidents are unavoidable. If you are unable to handle the situation with accessible tools you have in handy, seek out help nearby and the problem will not last forever!