Cat Stranded Up Tree For 3 Days Reunited With Long Island Family

NESCONSET, NY — One lucky cat is back home with his family after going missing last week and finding himself up a tree. Tiger, a domestic shorthair tabby cat, was rescued in a Town of Smithtown operation, officials said in a news release.

A Nesconset resident on Friday heard meowing coming from one of her trees. Tiger had climbed well over 50 feet up in the tree and appeared to be in distress, prompting the Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter to dispatch Animal Control Officers for a rescue.

"Normally a cat will climb down on its own, after they grow thirsty or hungry," officials said. "However, it became apparent that Tiger was unable to get down on his own, after being stuck for three days."

Mitch Crowley, director of Smithtown Traffic Safety, arrived and tried to figure out whether or not a bucket truck would be able to reach Tiger. The attempt was unsuccessful. The Nesconset Fire Department attempted using a ladder to get the job done, but the effort didn't bear fruit, either. Following multiple rescue attempts by Animal Control, Traffic Safety and the Nesconset Fire Department, the Smithtown Animal Shelter had one last hope to get Tiger down safely.

Omar, a tree climber from Impressive Properties, came to Tiger's rescue just in time. Omar scaled the tree limb to limb, with only a harness and helmet, until he reached the very top where Tiger had climbed.

Omar carried Tiger down the tree, lowering himself with one hand until the Animal Control Officers could help by placing the feline in a secure kennel. Tiger's owner got word of his recovery after photos of the rescue flooded social media.

"The adventurous feline is now safe at home, enjoying climbing on furniture indoors, with his grateful family," the Town said.

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, the Town asks that you call the Smithtown Animal Shelter at 631-360-7575.