We love to have our pets with us when we are hanging out inside the house, snuggled up on the couch, and binge-watching our favorite television shows.
Some pets, especially cats, love to get outside and enjoy time chasing creatures, lying in the sun, and climbing trees. The only issue with cats climbing trees is sometimes they get up a tree and can’t figure out how to get down.
Although skilled climbers, some cats can get up too high if they are chasing another animal, and not realize that they are now stuck. So, what do you do if your cat gets stuck up in a tree?
The most important thing to do when you realize that your cat is stuck in a tree is to not panic. There are multiple things that you can do to help your cat come down, it just may take some time.
Remember that your cat was able to get up the tree so they will probably also be able to get back down, but if not, know that they will not be stuck up in the tree forever – there are several things that you can do to help your cat safely returns to the ground.
How to Get a Cat Out of a Tree
Why Do Cats Climb Trees?
Before you panic, remember this – cats are natural-born climbers.
The cat species are built for chasing and climbing.
Why do you think they have such great claws? Cats have a unique body structure that combines strength, agility, and claws to create the perfect climbing creature.
Cats have perfectly curved claws to grip and pull themselves up and a jump reflex that helps them to easily ascend high up into the trees.
Why Do Cats Get Stuck in Trees?
Although cats are fantastic and agile while climbing up into the branches of their favorite tree, coming back down is an entirely different process.
Cats cannot climb down headfirst, which means that they need to climb down the same way that people climb down a ladder. Some cats panic and cannot figure it out, which means you might need to help them out.
What Can You Do?
There are a few things that you can do to help – the easiest way to start is by trying to coax your cat back down.
Some cats, even when scared, are willing to trust that they can come down if they hear your voice.
Try to call them, shake some of their dry food, or sit at the bottom of the tree calmly to see if they come down.
If that doesn’t work, you might have to provide them with some assistance.
If you can, try setting up some boxes or other items that the cat may be willing to jump on to.
Try calling the cat again to see if they will come down. If that doesn’t work, you can also put a ladder against the tree and if you climb up, the cat may come to you for help.
You can also bring some of their favorite toys, their bed, or some catnip out near the tree to coax them down.
The last option may be to just give them some time – walk away and see if the cat will come down on their own.
Sometimes they just don’t want an audience and if everyone leaves that area, they may come down on their own.
If none of these ideas work, it may be time to call in some help. Sometimes animal control from the local police department can help rescue animals that are stuck in trees, but the fire department may also be able to help.
There are other options, such as the electric company, that owns cherry pickers or large ladders that may be able to assist. Whoever you chose, they may charge you for their services. It is important to ask those questions before they come out.
Bottom Line
We all worry about our pets and sometimes, they can get themselves into trouble. Cats, because of their climbing skills, can often find themselves in sketchy situations. Some cat owners choose to keep their cats inside specifically to avoid climbing issues.
Cats are naturally energetic and will find other ways to fulfill their climbing desires by jumping up on cabinets, chairs, or bookshelves in your house. If you decide to allow your cat outside, be prepared for your cat to climb up a tree!
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