One lucky feline is holding on to all of his nine lives at home this morning. Tiger, a domestic shorthair tabby cat, went missing about a week ago. On Friday, the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter was called to dispatch Animal Control Officers to rescue the cat, when a Nesconset Resident heard meowing from one of her trees. Tiger had climbed well over fifty feet up in the tree and appeared to be in distress.
Normally a cat will climb down on its own, after they grow thirsty or hungry. However, it became apparent that Tiger was unable to get down on his own, after being stuck for three days.
Director of Smithtown Traffic Safety, Mitch Crowley arrived on the scene to observe whether a bucket truck would be able to reach the feline. After noting the truck would not reach the cat, the Nesconset Fire Department came to the rescue, in an attempt to use a ladder to get the job done. After multiple rescue attempts by Animal Control, Traffic Safety and the Nesconset Fire Department had proven unsuccessful, the Smithtown Animal Shelter had one last hope to get Tiger down safely.
Omar, a Tree Climber from Impressive Properties had arrived on the scene just in time. Omar scaled the massive tree, limb to limb, with only a harness and helmet until he reached the very top, where Tiger had ascended.
Omar carried Tiger down the tree, lowering himself with one hand until the Animal Control Officers could assist in placing the cat in a secure kennel. Tiger’s owner got word of his recovery, after photos of the daring rescue flooded social media. The adventurous feline is now safe at home, enjoying climbing on furniture indoors, with his grateful family.
Did You Know:
The Smithtown Animal Shelter often dispatches Animal Control Officers to rescue wildlife such as Great Horned Owlets, after falling from nests. When a tree is higher than 20 feet the Animal Shelter reaches out to a Tree Climber to reunite wildlife with its natural habitat. If you observe indigenous wildlife in distress within the township, please call the Smithtown Animal Shelter at 631-360-7575.