How to Get a Cat Out of a Very Tall Tree

A cat in a tree.

We've all had it happen, your cat gets outside and for whatever reason gets spooked and goes up a tree. Whether the neighbor's dog chased her there, or a car backfired, whatever the reason, once your cat is way up high on a branch, getting her down requires a plan. Here is how to get your cat out of a very tall tree.

Instructions

1. Remain calm. You are not going to help your cat or yourself if you get freaked out. In fact, if you are going to go up after your cat, you may make the situation worse and your cat nervous.

2. Put on gloves and a long shirt before going up to get your cat out of the tree. Your cat may get spooked and try to scratch you, particularly if you startle her by grabbing her.

3. Get a ladder that is tall enough to reach the branch your cat is on. If you don't have one, borrow one from a neighbor.

4. Climb up the ladder to the branch your cat is on. Talk calmly to your cat the whole time, call her by name and see if you can coax her to come closer to you. This will make it easier for you to get her and take her down the ladder.

5. Grab your cat by the nape of her neck and hold her close to your body with one arm and hand, while using the other to help you slowly climb down the ladder.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have the ladder set up consider calling your cat softly and seeing if she will come down the ladder by herself. If you can't get a ladder, drive your car as close to the tree as possible and stand on it. You may be able to reach the branch your cat is on. If a dog chased your cat up the tree, make sure the dog is long gone before trying to get your cat down. Otherwise your cat may climb higher in the tree or scratch you.

• Don't startle your cat. Say something so she knows you are there, and that it is just you and not some stranger coming up to get her.

References

• Getting Your Cat Out of a Tree
• Get a Cat Out of a Tree