Who do you call when a cat goes up a tree beyond reach? Well, in Western Washington, they’re very lucky to have the free services of Canopy Cat Rescue. The nonprofit specializes in rescuing cats stuck in trees and has been very busy recently.
While cats are excellent tree climbers, sometimes going down proves impossible. So, rescue is the only way out, a scary prospect for cats and the people who love them.
As professional arborists and cat lovers, the group prioritizes the cat’s safety while avoiding damage to the trees. In some cases, they have rescued cats stuck 150 feet up in trees, finding them both near home or miles away. Sometimes, cats have been stuck for over two weeks, unable to come down.
🐈⬛ 🖤🌲 Saving Black Cats on National Black Cat Day🌲 🐈⬛ 🖤
Recently, Canopy Cat Rescue shared a photo for National Black Cat Day. This time, they rescued a black cat named Percy from their home turf of Lakewood. In the stunning picture, Shaun Sears is seen high up in the treetops overlooking the water.
Earlier in the month, Shaun saved another black cat named Scar, the second black cat that day.
“It’s black kitten day,” says Sears.
In the video, you can see they have an amazing view, but we don’t envy them for being so high up.
Four Recent Spectacular Cat Rescues
October was busy, and CCR shared beautiful (but also scary) pictures of four of their recent rescues.
Below, “Charlie, from Graham, had views of the jewel of Washington State (Mt Rainier) during his stay in the tree.”
Next, “Marek, from Mercer Island, had a nice water view of Lake Washington from his view at about 55ft in a maple tree.”
Then, “Nova, from Orting, found an abandoned nest to relax in to wait for some help.” This one looks quite comfortable in that bird’s nest!
Finally, “Misha, from Everett, was hanging out at an old topping cut in a big cedar tree while she waited for help. It was big enough to catch a couple cat naps during her stay at about 80ft.”
Canopy Cat Rescue Saves Taz from Tacoma
In their YouTube videos, you can see these guys are cat lovers with a real understanding of the finer points of cat behavior. For example, before going out on a limb, they ask the owners what the cat likes to be called and responds to. Also, they seem to have little fear of heights, which are often considerable. For most of us, we would be trembling in fear to be up so high, which the cats often are too.
Recently, they rescued a cat named Taz in Tacoma. Somehow the sweet kitty climbed the biggest hemlock he could find. Fortunately, his rescuer knows how to sweet talk cats, and Taz approached for some affection. In many cases, they are scared and retreat, making rescue even more difficult and harrowing.
After netting the cat to secure him safely, Tom Otto hand-delivers Taz to his overjoyed human.
Saving a Big Cat Named Chibs
In another case, Tom rescued a cat named Chibs, who slipped out of the house. Then, they suspect Chibs was chased by a coyote and climbed a huge cedar tree to escape. After a cold, wet night, his family was “worried sick” and called for help.
Before approaching the tree, he asks the owners for details of how best to approach the cat, knowing each cat is entirely different. Using the right approach can make all the difference, preventing the cat from trying to climb even higher.
Then, it’s time for the pro to bring out the rope and hoists and climb to the top of a huge mossy evergreen. All the while, the arborist calls for Chibs, flattering and trying to soothe him. As you can see, it works, and the cat comes closer. Then, Tom expertly moves him to the net so Chibs can’t fall and injure himself.
“I know that was so rude of me wasn’t it?” says Tom. “But I’m going to snuggle you on the way down.”
Then, Chib’s owners take him inside the house, still in the net, to release him.
“Tom reported that the rescue was great! The people were super cool, Chibs was a big ‘ol lover cat, and everyone was so happy to be reunited… even his furry siblings. Hope you enjoy!” they posted on Facebook.
A Spooked Bengal Cat
In time for Halloween, Canopy Cat Rescue shared what could be “the spookiest photo we’ve ever taken.” In the picture, a very frightened silver Bengal cat peered from 35 feet up in a tree. Immediately, they knew this one was going to be tricky.
“We were called for an unknown cat in a tree, and when we showed up, the kitty was about 15ft out on a limb (35ft above ground). Once in the tree, and seeing the look from this cat, I knew it was a silver Bengal, and I also knew based on this look…I wasn’t getting anywhere near this cat,” they said.
Then, the unexpected happened but fortunately had a happy ending.
“I grabbed the rescue net to maybe scoop the Bengal in, but as soon as the net got close, the kitty jumped and made a very soft landing on ferns and bushes below. From my spot in the tree, I could see the cat run off unscathed, dodging trees and disc golfers saying, ‘look at that cat go!'”
Later, the would-be rescuer found out the cat had made it back home shortly after running off and had been missing a good while. You just never know what can happen when it comes to cats high in the treetops, which makes these rescuers even more amazing.
Although Canopy Cat Rescue, which relies on donations, is a godsend for cat lovers in Washington state, there may be options for you in other states and even worldwide.
“If you live in Eastern Washington or another state, or even another country, please visit: www.catinatreerescue.com for a worldwide directory of folks who can help rescue your cat.”
