The best way to get a cat out of  a  tree is to wait.  However, most cat owners get frustrated by that so here are some tips.

At least once in her life, ust about every outdoor cat gets “stuck” in a tree.  The cat might have been chasing a bird, or squirrel, or simply running away from the neighborhood dog or kid.  Whatever the reason, she’s now stranded up there, meowing and looking terrified.

What do you do?  Many people think they should call the fire department to come to the rescue, but the fire depaartment may actually do more harm than good, if they even come and agree not to charge you.  The cat may become more afraid and scoot further up the tree. 

The fact is that most cats in trees are sure-footed enough to come down by themselves.  They just beed a little time to think about it and a little help from you.

If your cat is stuck in a tree, here’s what to do:

• Look carefully to make sure that it can move around and isn’t hurt.  It’s not likely that it will be injured, but if it is, you’ll need help.  Call your local humane society or your veterinarian for advice.
• Stay calm and quiet, keep other people and pets away,  The last think your cat wants is a crowd of noisy spectators watching.
• Open a can of its favorite food and place it at the bottom of the tree.
• Now go inside and wait.  It may take a few hours, but in almost all cases, your cat will get down the way it went up.

However, I had a cat that stayed stuck for 3 days.  She drove us all nuts and then on the 3rd day, all of a sudden she jumped to the roof and then to a shorter bush and then to the ground, as if she had known the way all the time.

Ahem.  Who’s in charge here?