How to Get Your Cat Out of a Tree
The first thing to do, as in any incident, is to remain calm. You can’t possibly think clearly if you’re excited and flustered. And, it won’t help your cat’s level of stress either. There are a few tricks on how to get your cat out of a tree, and one or the other will probably be successful.
The second thing to do, to get your cat out of an outdoor tree, is to assess the situation. Often, felines who manage to climb up a tree can also find their way safely back down. As long as they are able, that is. Look to see if your cat is able to get out of the tree by itself. That means, that he or she isn’t stuck in branches, injured, or hindered by a collar or leash that’s become entangled in the tree.
Note: Since most of my felines go outdoors, I never put collars or leashes on them. It’s too easy for the collars or leashes to get stuck on branches, fences, and other obstacles.
Sometimes, cats don’t climb up outdoor trees just for the sheer joy of it. Sometimes they climb a tree to get away from a chasing dog, or other thing they perceive to be a danger. Before you try to get your cat out of a tree, make sure the dog or other danger has been removed far from the area. Being your cat is up in a tree, he or she can see far and wide. Most of the time, if your cat can still see the dog or other perpetrator, it will just flat out refuse to come down.
If the tree your cat is stuck in isn’t substantially tall, you might allow him or her to find their own way back down. You can try to expedite the process by calling your cat by name. Speak in a calm, encouraging voice. If your cat usually comes to the traditional “Here kitty, kitty”, you can try that to coax them down out of the tree.
If calling your cat down out of the tree doesn’t work, the fourth thing to do is try the old trick of coaxing them with food. You can use a can of their favorite kitty food or a fresh can of tuna fish.
Note: During this entire time, always talk to your cat in a calm, reassuring voice.
How to get your cat out of a tree? The fifth thing to try, is to find a sturdy ladder. The ladder will need to be a height so that it reaches up to, or at least nearby, your cat in the tree. After you lean the ladder against the tree, you can wait for your cat to use it to climb back down.
Or, to get your cat out of a tree, you can climb up the ladder and retrieve your feline yourself. But, be prepared! Your cat might normally be the cuddliest pet in the neighborhood. However, being that he or she is stuck up in a tree, it will probably be scared. Also, as you’re trying to remove your cat from the tree branch, a loud noise such as a car or an airplane could frighten it. A frightened cat often has all claws out and is ready for action!
To avoid getting scratched, wear a pair of heavy gloves and take a small blanket up the ladder with you. Remove your cat from the tree by gently grabbing the nape of its neck. Place him or her in the blanket, and carefully make your way back down the ladder.
If you don’t have a ladder, to get your cat out of a tree, you can park a vehicle beside the tree too. I had to do this one time when the neighbor’s dog chased my cat up a tall tree. The neighbor parked his pick up truck as close as he could to the tree. He then climbed up on top of the cab and was able to reach my frightened feline.
It’s almost unheard of nowadays, but the sixth and last trick I have up my sleeve is to call your local fire department. If you explain the problem with your cat to a kind-hearted fireperson, he or she might allow a truck with a ladder to come out and get your cat out of a tree.
