Cambridge firefighters rescue kitten stuck in tree for over 36 hours
A seven-month-old kitten stuck in a tree for more than 36 hours was safely brought down by Cambridge and Cottenham firefighters in Trumpington on Wednesday night (15 January).
The ordeal began early in the morning when the kitten climbed a tree in a residential area and became stranded at its peak - approximately five storeys high.
Despite numerous attempts by the owners and concerned neighbours to coax the kitten down using food and gentle calls, the frightened feline only climbed higher, eventually reaching a precarious position at the very top.
With temperatures dropping and no access to food or water, the kitten grew visibly weaker, ceasing to meow and barely moving.
The owners were very concerned that the kitten could fall, potentially sustaining life-threatening injuries.
The turning point came when two fire crews from Cambridge and Cottenham arrived on the scene. Using a turntable ladder, the firefighters carefully ascended to the kitten’s position.
A second team stood below with a life net, ready to catch the animal if it fell.
After several delicate attempts, the kitten was safely captured in a specialised safety sack and brought down to the relief and cheers of onlookers.
Ula Rzeszutek, a local veterinary surgeon who happened to be among the gathered neighbours, examined the kitten immediately and found no external injuries.
Ula said: “The kitten was understandably stressed and hungry but otherwise unharmed. He was overjoyed to be back with his family, and the first thing he did was devour a tasty meal.”
The owners expressed their gratitude to the fire crews, whose prompt and skilled actions saved their beloved pet’s life.