Cat rescued after stuck in tree 10 days

By Candice Nelson
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: October 14, 2008

We always hear that cats land on their feet, and one cat proved the old saying is true. In Franklin County, a large tree sits in Robert Bryant’s front yard. For ten days, he heard constant meowing – a gray tabby that wouldn’t come down.

“Just been carrying on awful day and night and stuff. I sure couldn’t climb the tree,” Bryant said.

When Bryant called animal control and other agencies, he claims they told him they couldn’t help.

The cat doesn’t belong to Bryant, and isn’t sure if it belongs to somebody else or is a stray. Over the past month, he’s seen it walking around in his yard.

He’s tried just about everything to get it down.

“Putting food out and still no results. All it kept doing was going up and down and all over the place,” he said.

On Tuesday morning, help arrived. Asplundh crews were already in the neighborhood trimming trees. With a lift and some poles, the tabby still took it easy. However, with a couple more shakes on the limbs, the cat was ready to leave. It decided to jump, landing on its feet, and it took off across the street.

“They done a daggone good job. I gotta say they are the heroes,” Byant said.

After a job well done, Bryant added, “It took off. It’s on its own again, just hope it doesn’t come back.“

Despite the cliché, Bryant couldn’t help but add, “At least, uh, curiosity didn’t kill this cat,” he laughed.

Ten On Your Side talked to the Public Safety Department in Franklin County. They said animal control will only rescue cats from trees if they are hurt or in danger. The department added, most animals that are scared will eventually come down.

Faye Hicks is with the Franklin County Animal Shelter. She had some recommendations for other people who may have cats that get themselves into these sticky situations. Hicks suggested you leave the animal alone that is in the tree. If there are dogs around, remove them from the area so the cat can’t see or hear them. Often, she said, cats are threatened by other animals, such as dogs, and run up the trees. It’s also fine to put out food and water.