A cat who was left clinging onto a branch at the top of a 60ft-high tree in windy weather was rescued in a joint operation between the RSPCA and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
A member of the public contacted the animal welfare charity after spotting the cat up the tree in Brackenwood Mews, Wilmslow.
RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Steve Wickham attended but quickly realised that the fire service would be needed as the cat was so high up.
Steve said: "The cat was pretty much at the top of the tree and the wind was blowing the branch all over the place. He was really clinging on for dear life to the branch.
"Due to the wind, we realised we needed to improvise and make a safety net for the cat in case he fell, so we used tauplin and four wheelie bins to do this. Thankfully the cat didn't fall, but we didn't want to risk anything."
The fire crew used its aerial platform to safely rescue the cat before bringing him back to safety at floor level.
"It was a difficult rescue, due to the height of the tree and the dense foliage, which meant it was hard to see exactly where the cat was immediately," said Steve.
The cat was not microchipped and an owner has not been found. He is now in the RSPCA's care following the rescue, on Thursday 3rd August.
Steve said: "Without immediate help, the cat could have fallen to his death so we are very grateful to the member of the public who contacted us about his plight.
"This just goes to show how important collaborative working is in protecting animal welfare. Sometimes we simply can't rescue animals from situations like this without the help of fire crews."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.