Princeton Firefighters Rescue Cat Stuck In Tree For 3 Days

PRINCETON, NJ — A cat who had been stuck high atop a tree for three days was rescued by Princeton firefighters last week.

The cat was about 30 feet off the ground in a tree in the backyard of its home that borders Lake Carnegie. The cat's owners were hoping she would eventually come down on her own. When the cat remained in the tree they called for help, said Princeton Deputy Fire Chief Devin A. Davis.

Firefighters went to the Princeton home around 12:30 p.m. last Wednesday where they could hear the car meowing high above. They met with Animal Control Officer Jim Ferry — who is also a firefighter with the department — to come up with a rescue plan.

A chain saw was first used to clear brush and debris from around the base of the tree and then firefighters used a ladder to reach the cat. She was rescued safely without injury, Davis said.

"The homeowner was very appreciative," Davis said of the rescue effort. "The homeowner has reported that the cat is doing much better, getting plenty of rest and eating well."

This isn't the first animal rescue for the Princeton Fire Department.

"Last year we were called to Springdale Golf Club. There was an owl that had become stuck in their netting used along the side of their driving range. We were able to raise the ladder up to the owl's location and free the owl from netting in a safe manner," Davis said.

They have also freed animals from other areas, including confined spaces where they became trapped and couldn't free themselves.

"Overall, we found this to be a successful operation that was well-coordinated and professionally executed," Davis said of the cat rescue. "Our members train for many types of incidents over the course of the year, including fire suppression and rescue methods. We have training requirements in place to ensure we are well prepared to serve the community of Princeton. There is a saying 'When people don’t know who to call for help, they call the fire department because our training encompasses many different types of techniques and methods.' "

The Princeton Fire Department is always looking for volunteers to help. For more information on how to join the Princeton Fire Department visit princetonnj.gov/resources/how-to-join-the-fire-department.

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