How to Rescue a Cat From a Pine Tree

It may seem cliche, but cats get stuck up in trees all the time. Oftentimes, cats will climb a little too high by accident and be afraid to come back down. Pine trees are especially popular for cats because the bark makes it easier to climb than a smoother trunked tree. Sometimes the cat will come down the tree on his own when he's ready. But if he doesn't and requires rescue, there are a few things that you can do to help rescue your cat from the pine tree.

Things You'll Need

  • Old clothes
  • Bowl of dry dog food
  • Ladder
  • Heavy gloves
  • Canned dog food
  • Paint scraper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Surround the bottom of the tree with a pile of old clothes or leaves to pad the cat if he decides to jump. Put a large bowl of dry dog food near the trunk as well. Set up a ladder against the pine tree, making sure that it is stable and won't fall when you are at the top. Have a friend hold the ladder if necessary.

    • 2

      Go up the ladder wearing heavy gloves and armed with a can of wet dog food and a paint scraper. The reason for using dog food instead of cat food is because the dog food smells much stronger, and your kitty is going to need a good reason to try and climb down.

    • 3

      Using a paint scraper, slather the wet dog food on the branches of the pine tree when you reach the top of the ladder. Work your way down the side of the tree to create a trail of the dog food.

    • 4

      Call to your cat gently, holding up the food-covered scraper to try and catch his sense of smell. If you can reach him, be very careful when you pick him up so that you don't get scratched. The heavy gloves should help protect you long enough to make it down the ladder to free him.

    • 5

      Call a local tree-trimming company as the last resort. Many of them offer cat retrieval services and can help you get your cat even from the highest of trees.