A Brave Climb to Save a Cat in the Dark

Tonight, we were involved in a very tricky, dangerous and expensive rescue involving a cat who had been stuck in the highest branches of a tree in a Plumstead garden since Sunday morning.

The owners of the garden had no idea where the cat came from or how he got in their tree. They contacted the Fire Brigade, who attended but couldn’t safely reach the cat due to him being on the flimsiest branches. From the ground, we could barely make out his colouring, let alone figure out if he was owned, microchipped, or was a cat who had recently reported missing. We decided to wait 24 hours to see if he would come down on his own, but when he didn’t, we had no choice but to act.

This has already been our most expensive few months ever - with upwards of 7k in vet bills in recent weeks, off the back of moving to and furnishing new unit with higher rent. Leaving the cat there just didn't feel like an option, however. So we called in M J Tree Services, who have helped us twice before when no one else would. They kindly agreed to their fixed rescue rate of £250, and Mike arrived with his daughter, ready to take on the challenge.

Mike climbed as high as he safely could, but the cat kept moving further away, creeping into the thinnest branches. For over an hour, Mike tried to catch him with a net, but there were just too many branches in the way. There was no way to scoop him up.

Then, in an incredible display of bravery, Mike climbed even higher, into the flimsiest branches of the tree, and somehow managed to grab hold of the terrified cat. Climbing down with one arm wrapped around a struggling cat in the dark is no easy feat, but Mike made it happen.

Once safely on the ground, we scanned him for a microchip. At first, no chip was detected, but after a few tries, the scanner finally picked it up. His name is Beau, and he has a reputation for chasing squirrels - a habit that clearly got him into trouble this time.

The second we reached his home, he started howling, and as soon as the door opened, he made a beeline for his food bowl, inhaling his dinner like a cat possessed. His owner was aware he hadn't been home for a few days and was worried. Beau is neutered as well as chipped.

We cannot thank Mike and M J Tree Services enough for their courage and kindness. They were willing to take on this challenge when no one else would, and thanks to them, Beau is safe and warm tonight instead of spending another freezing night alone in the treetops.

This was an expensive rescue on top of an already financially draining month for us. Nonetheless, we have no regrets. Stay out of trouble, Beau!