Amazing Cat Rescue from 20 Meter Tree

I would like to share a very special courageous, sweet man to you all. Frank. Frank is an Arborist, tree climber, cat adorer and cat hero. I sat down and talked to him about this amazing cat rescue he did back in 2011 in Aarau, Switzerland.

How did you find out about the cat stuck in the tree?

I received a call from an animal rescue organization and they asked me if I was available to help rescue a cat. They told me that the owner was just released from the hospital and when she returned she found out that her cat escaped and was stuck in the tree. The owner had just survived a heart attack, was sent home and discovered her cat was stuck in a tree. Understandably, she was very worried and I wanted to help. Sushi, the cat needed help

How long was she in the tree?

When I arrived she had been up there about 5 days.

How high was she?

Between 20-25 meters (65 feet).

Where you confident you could rescue her?

I knew it was possible, I knew I could reach her. But it was up to the cat if he would allow me to catch her. I had rescued cats in the past that tried to attack me or bite me. I just hoped that when I arrived she would stay calm and allow me to grab her.

How was it climbing 20 meters to reach her?

It’s my job to climb trees. The 20 meters wasn’t the problem. As I got closer to her she continue to go out further and further on thin branches. While my safety is always important, she pushed me to the limit of how far I could go. Luckily I could grab her just in time.

How many cats have you rescued?

About 7 or 8.

Was there a moment you thought you couldn’t rescue her?

Near the end when the cat moved further and further away from me and was hanging upside down. I thought she would fall. I was worried about the cat but also about the crowds of people under me, it would have been traumatic not only for the cat but for everyone below to see the cat fall.

And then you grabbed her!

At this moment I felt huge relief and the people below started cheering. I put her in the carrier and lowered her down to the ground with my rope.  She was quickly reunited with her family.

So please give Frank the love he deserves and share this video. 

Frank Hirtreiter’s Youtube channel