Arborists rescue cat from tree top

Posted on: October 15th 2025    •    Posted in: Uncategorized

From time to time, we get telephone calls with requests from the public but on this particular day, a call from a worried owner followed by a follow up call from cat rescue charity, Catitude, we knew we needed to try and help.

Charlie the cat had been missing for nearly a week before a local resident spotted a cat seemingly stuck in tree on Huntingfield Road in Bury St Edmunds. It is thought that he may have been there for up to three days and the worry of dehydration from lack of fluids was the main concern.

After finishing the days work, the arb team headed back to the yard to collect equipment and a very large net before heading over to the rescue. The situation was assessed and it was decided that due to limited access for a cherry picker, the only way to get Charlie down would be an arial rescue.  With James, Director of Arboriculture and Ben, Arborist Student co-ordinating from the ground, Rob, Lead Climber and James, Arborist headed up to the dizzy heights of the treetop. Another local tree surgery team soon joined in the rescue with Jamie and Nathan from JPM Tree Services helping with safety nets lower down the tree and on the ground. Should Charlie decide to jump, residents of the street were poised on the ground with bedsheets, as a last resort.  After an hour of careful negotiations through the tree, Rob managed to securely take hold of Charlie and bring him down to safety in his climbing bag.

“We were delighted that we could get Charlie down safely and reunited him with his family all before it got dark for the evening.”

Our thanks goes to Rob, James, Ben and Connor for giving their time and also to Catitude Cat Rescue for making contact and giving us the opportunity to be of help. Catitude is a charity registered in England and Wales who rescue, rehome and rehabilitate cats in need. More information on the work of Catitude can be found on their website.