Cats can usually climb trees easily, but have a hard time getting down. A cat's hooves are very useful to help him climb, but not to come down. Cats trapped in trees may be frightened and sometimes become even more frightened if coaxed to come down. Try the following strategies to calm your cat down and get her down from the tree safely.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Persuade the Cat to Come Down from the Tree
Step 1. If you can't see it right away, determine the cat's position
Also pay attention to which part of the tree the cat is stuck in and how high it is. Proper positioning of the cat will help you to figure out how to get it down from the tree.
Step 2. Keep all dogs in the area away
This will allow the cat to feel calm and comfortable enough to get down from the tree on its own. Cats will feel more stressed if the dog is too enthusiastic to see him in the tree.
Step 3. Try to persuade the cat to come down from the tree before bringing it down
Call the cat. If the cat doesn't belong to you, try to find the owner and have them call him. Cats are more likely to come to people they know.
Clicker exercises can be especially helpful if your cat is repeatedly stuck in a tree. Using a clicker to reinforce its behavior, you can train your cat to come when its name is called. This type of exercise can sometimes override a cat's fears and doubts
Step 4. Use a treat or other reward to lure the cat down from the tree
If the cat is yours, use the treats that he likes best. However, if not, try using a strong-scented snack, such as tuna.
Leave the container of dry food under the tree, and walk away. If the cat doesn't recognize you, move away from the tree and let the cat come down to get its food
Step 5. Use the laser pointer to lure the cat down from the tree
If the cat likes to play with the laser pointer, you might be able to distract him from chasing the laser light and down from the tree. Aim the laser at a point where the cat can see. Almost all cats will be attracted to small lights, such as the one on the laser pointer.
Move the point of light down the tree trunk. Repeat this step as often as possible until it catches the cat's attention and interest. If you are lucky, the cat will follow the light and come down from the tree
Step 6. Watch the cat, but give the cat time to dismount on its own
Before resorting to other methods of getting him down, try waiting for the cat to come down on its own from the tree. Given time and distance, cats will often go down on their own. Cats may just need space, quiet, and the reassurance that no other animal or person will bother them.
If you wait for it, the cat will also feel hungry and may try to get off on its own
Step 7. Take more active actions to get the cat down from the tree
This should only be done after you have been waiting for the cat to come down on its own for a long time, which is about 24 hours. Remember, cat's claws are great for climbing trees, but not great for descending. Your cat may be really stuck and needs your help.
Method 2 of 3: Helping the Cat to Get Down from the Tree
Step 1. Place an object near a tree that the cat can climb down from
This can be a long tree branch or an extension ladder. If the angle of the object is not too steep, the cat may find it more comfortable to descend.
Again, give the cat time to decide whether or not to use it. Make sure that the route and objects used are completely safe, and walk away
Step 2. Try placing the animal basket on the tree
Throw the rope over the tree trunk the cat is sitting on. Then, tie the animal basket to one end of the rope. Make sure that the door or the top of the basket is open. Pull the basket towards the cat with the rope.
- You can also put some of his favorite foods that smell strongly in the basket.
- Wait for the cat to enter the basket. Be patient. If after a few hours the cat doesn't get into the basket, you may have to climb a tree and put it in the basket.
- Once the cat is inside, lower the basket quickly but gently to the ground.
Step 3. Use a towel and broom to make the cat come down from the tree
Because it can traumatize the cat and pose a risk of falling and injury, this method is only suitable for use when the cat is out of reach but is close enough to be grabbed or when you are running out of other options. Tie the towel tightly to the broom. From a safe position (such as on the ground or in a secure position on a sturdy ladder), touch the cat with the broom until the cat loses its stability. When it staggers, its instincts will make the cat stick its front paws into the towel.
- Gently pull on the broom before the cat lets go of it so that the cat tries to cling to the tree and the towel. If you're lucky, the front paws will stick to the towel more strongly than the hind legs (on the tree), and the cat will cling to the broom with all of its claws.
- Be prepared to withstand the weight of the broom and cat.
- Quickly lower the broom. Grab the nape before the cat can climb back up the tree. Make sure that your position and strength are stable, or give the broom and cat to someone else to help.
Step 4. Contact the local landscaping agency
While most firefighters won't come out to rescue the cat, the parks service will occasionally do. The cost is not free but it will be worth it if the cat can be unloaded safely.
Method 3 of 3: Climb a Tree to Catch a Cat
Step 1. Climb a tree if all methods don't work
If you don't have much experience climbing trees, don't climb straight up and use a sturdy ladder. If you will be climbing the tree yourself, ask someone else to monitor the cat's movements and seek help if the attempt fails.
If you are sure to save your cat by climbing the tree yourself, always use safety gear to avoid injury. Also be sure to ask someone else for help when doing so just in case there is an emergency
Step 2. Check the soil around the tree before you start climbing
Make sure that there are no objects that pose a risk of harm if you fall while climbing.
Also make sure that the ladder used is sturdy. This will prevent you from getting injured while trying to help lower the cat from the tree
Step 3. Wear long sleeves and gloves before climbing a tree
Whether they know you well or not, the cat may get scared and attack you. In addition to protecting you from your cat's nails and teeth, long sleeves and gloves will also increase your chances of successfully holding your cat when you reach for it.
Step 4. Once you reach for it, grab and hold the cat firmly
It's best to hold the cat by the scruff of the neck because this will make it easier for the cat to hold and not move much.
Step 5. Hold the cat gently but firmly
Don't let the cat escape until it gets into the pet basket or you hold it tight.
Stay calm. If you panic, the cat will respond badly and may not let you catch it
Step 6. Put the cat in an object that will make it easier to lower it to the ground
For example, you can put it in an animal basket and lower it with a rope.
Step 7. Get down from the tree and check if the cat and yourself are injured or not
The cat may go into shock from the traumatic experience. Make sure that the cat is in good health before releasing it.
Tips
- If all of the above methods don't work, contact a social worker or animal shelter staff. These parties may have additional advice or know of an expert climber who can catch the cat.
- Do not call firefighters to help lower the cat from the tree. Most firefighters will not undertake such a task because they must focus their time on emergencies involving humans.
Warning
- Do not attempt to climb a tree without sufficient help and knowledge for safe climbing!
- A cat may be considered to have 9 lives, but be sure to take him to the vet immediately if the cat falls and is injured. The cat may have an internal injury that the vet can more easily detect.
