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4 Ways to Get a Cat Out of a Tree

How to Get a Cat Out of a Tree: 4 Ways

Updated On February 16th, 2017

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Reviewed By PetCoach Editorial

Veterinarian

You didn’t mean to leave the front door open, but when your indoor cat bolted out and caught the eye of the neighbor’s yappy dog, it panicked, and sprinted up the nearest tree. Once perched among the branches, the frightened kitty froze, and was unable to climb down. If this predicament sounds familiar, you may be one of countless pet owners who have discovered that their cat is stuck in a tree.

Cats may find themselves stuck in a tree because they are naturally great climbers, quick to escape danger, or to climbed to gain a great view. Their curved claws work well to grasp onto the bark of a tree as they climb up, but they were not designed to help them easily climb down.
Unlike squirrels, cats cannot descend head first. They must step backwards, as people would climb down a ladder. Unfortunately, that movement is harder to figure out, and faced with the fear of falling, your poor cat may find itself in a state of shock. The situation can be traumatic for cats who are used to roaming outdoors, but indoor cats with limited climbing experience may really find themselves in trouble. Here are four strategies to help get a cat out of a tree.

Coax the Cat Down

Your best hope is for the cat to climb down on its own. Often it will with a little time and space, and no distractions from other animals nearby. Call up to your pet in a soothing voice and entice it with treats. If that doesn’t work, leave a bowl of food at the bottom of the tree and step back. Tuna is a good choice, as it has a strong odor. If the cat is hungry enough and smells food, that might be enough to lure it down.

You could also try spreading a sheet or placing an old mattress beneath the tree. If the cat has a focal point on the ground, it may be more likely to jump or climb down to reach the target. Above all else, stay calm. If the cat senses tension, it may get even more anxious, and climb higher. Keep an eye on your pet, but make sure the scene stays as low-key as possible. And keep track of how long the cat has been stranded.

Provide Assistance

If the cat continues to stay put, you could try to be more proactive by helping it climb down the tree. To guide the cat, aim a laser pointer at a spot on the tree it can see, and then move the point down the trunk to light a course. You can also lean a ladder or big branch against the tree. Just make sure it’s positioned securely, and then walk away. That “bridge” might be just what the cat needs to visualize a path to safety.

For a more elaborate recovery effort, a pet carrier or laundry basket can be hoisted up to kitty on a rope, if the branch is not too high. Try putting some food or treats inside, and see if that tempts the cat to climb on board. With any luck, it will take the bait, and you can lower the carrier or basket to the ground.

Come to the Rescue

If those methods don’t work, you may consider going up to retrieve the cat if it has not climbed too far up the tree. A sturdy ladder is recommended. Don’t try this alone. You’ll need someone to help stabilize the ladder to reduce your chance of falling or help you in the event of an accident. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and long sleeves. Even the sweetest cat can get defensive or may appear aggressive under these harrowing circumstances or use their claws to grip you for safety and security. If possible, place the cat into a pet carrier and slowly lower it to your rescue partner. This will also make it easier and safer for you to climb down.

Call for Help

If all else fails, call in professional support. If it’s on a busy street, cold, stormy, or the cat appears to be in distress, seek help sooner rather than later. Keep in mind that a cat stuck in a tree has no access to food or water, and will get dehydrated and weak from starvation. Bear in mind that firefighters may be too busy fighting fires and rescuing humans from burning buildings. But you can contact a tree trimming company, and for a small fee, they may go up and get the cat. Alternatively ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter for recommendations.

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