An unusual rescue operation is taking place on northern Vancouver Island to free a cat that’s been stuck in a massive tree since Saturday.
Tweak the cat has been living up in the approximately 100-foot tree and others surrounding it for four days already in Black Creek, B.C.
Her owners said they’re desperate to save her after spotting a hawk and some owls keeping a close eye on the feline. They’re also concerned that Tweak is becoming dehydrated.
“[We’ve used] treats and tried calling it down. The neighbours here tried to use ladders to get it down and it just went back up higher,” said Marina Robertson.
Local firefighters were called to help, even though they don’t usually assist with stuck cats.
“We made an exception last night just because our ladder would reach to the level where the cat was,” said Bruce Green from the Oyster River Fire Dept. “Unfortunately the firefighter that was up there had his hand on the cat, and the cat didn’t like it and scooted up higher.”
The cat’s owner posted an ad promising a case of beer or bottle of whiskey to whoever rescues Tweak.
On Tuesday, a tree faller used his gear to reach her, but the cat became spooked and bolted another 50 feet up the tree before jumping over to another one.
Crews, possibly using a bucket lift, will attempt to get the cat out again 3 p.m. Wednesday.
