What to Do If Your Cat Is Stuck Up a Tree

Last updated: 3 August 2025

Step 1: Don’t Panic — Most Cats Come Down Themselves

It’s not uncommon for cats to climb trees and get ‘stuck’, but in many cases, they eventually climb down on their own. Cats can climb up with ease, but going down requires them to descend backward — a motion they may be hesitant or afraid to try. Give them time (up to 24 hours) and observe from a distance before jumping into rescue mode.

Step 2: Entice Them Down Gently

Try encouraging your cat down using their favourite treats or by shaking their food bowl. Place familiar items like a blanket or toy near the base of the tree. Your voice can also help — calmly call their name and avoid making loud or panicked noises, which may make them more anxious.

Step 3: Create a Way Down

If the cat is not too high and it’s safe to do so, try leaning a long, sturdy ladder or wooden plank against the tree to give them a ramp or climbing path. Do not attempt to climb up yourself unless you’re trained and have proper safety equipment. Injuries from falls are common when well-meaning owners try DIY rescues.

Step 4: Wait, Monitor, and Stay Nearby

In many cases, waiting is the best course of action. As long as your cat is not visibly injured, caught on something, or exposed to extreme weather, they can remain in the tree for a day or two. Continue offering food and water at the base and stay close so your cat knows it’s safe to come down. Most cats will descend when they’re hungry or feel secure.

Step 5: Call for Help If Necessary

If your cat has been stuck for more than 24–48 hours, is meowing constantly, or seems in distress, it may be time to get assistance. Here are some UK options:

  • Call your local **tree surgeon** or arborist – they have the equipment to safely reach high branches.
  • Contact your local **RSPCA** – they may help if the cat is in genuine distress, though they don’t have climbing gear themselves and may ask the fire brigade.
  • Speak to the **non-emergency fire service** – some UK fire departments assist in animal rescues when not busy with emergencies. Call 101 to enquire (not 999 unless there’s danger to life).
  • Try contacting **animal rescue charities** or wildlife organisations in your area that may have experience with stuck pets.

Step 6: Prevent Future Tree Escapes

Once your cat is safely down, you may want to limit their tree-climbing in future, especially if they’re elderly, anxious, or inexperienced outdoors. Trim back low branches, monitor their outdoor time, or consider a cat harness for supervised exploration. If they’re not neutered, consider having them spayed/neutered — unneutered cats tend to roam more and may climb in pursuit of other cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Healthy cats can usually survive without food or water for 2–3 days, but stress, cold, or injury can shorten this. It’s best to seek help if they’re still stuck after 24–48 hours.
Some UK fire services do help with animal rescues, but only if resources allow and the situation is genuinely urgent. Call the non-emergency line (101) to ask.
Not usually, unless it’s very cold, wet, or your cat is injured or stuck in an awkward position. Keep monitoring from a distance and take action if the situation doesn’t improve.