Heroes Do Climb Trees: A Cat Rescue Story

Heroes don’t always wear capes.

Sometimes, they wear harnesses, climb into the dark, and trust a rope — all to save a small life that can’t climb back down.

Recently, Homeless to Home received a call for help about a cat who had been stuck in a tree for three long days. Not ten feet up. Not an easy reach. This cat was 30–40 feet high, perched on the farthest ends of thin, fragile branches, growing more exhausted by the hour.

That’s when James Erwin, owner of PRUNE Tree Care Experts, answered the call — along with Ethan, who joined him on the ground.

Rescuing cats from trees isn’t their usual line of work. But that didn’t stop them.

Three Hours, Fading Light, and Unwavering Determination

What followed was nearly three hours of careful, exhausting work, stretching into the darkness. James climbed higher and higher, deliberately knocking away dead branches as he went, inching closer without spooking the frightened cat further out onto unstable limbs.

Below, Ethan secured the ropes that kept James safe, steady, and able to move forward.

By the time James reached the furthest point possible, both men were exhausted — cold, numb, and running on determination alone. And then, finally, the cat made a move.

She ventured just close enough.

James reached out and grabbed her in a single, decisive moment.

Because of where she was, the only safe way down was to drop her onto a sheet held tightly by her owner and neighbors below. It worked perfectly. She was reunited with her family — shaken, thirsty, hungry… but alive.

A short time later, after water and a meal, she was curled up safely in bed.

Why Cat-in-a-Tree Rescues Matter

There’s a persistent myth that cats will “eventually come down on their own.” Unfortunately, that’s not always true.

Cats’ claws curve downward, making it easy for them to climb up — but very difficult to climb down. When a cat becomes trapped high in a tree, they can grow exhausted, weak, and dehydrated. Many don’t come down safely at all.

That’s why situations like this should always be taken seriously.

If you ever hear someone say, “Have you ever seen a dead cat in a tree?” — the heartbreaking answer is often no, because they fall.

Gratitude for Those Who Respect All Life

Homeless to Home owes deep thanks to James and Ethan, not only for this rescue, but for the many times they’ve shown up for our animals and our sanctuary — from maintaining trees to helping place the Christmas star and clearing dangerous branches overhead.

We’re also incredibly grateful to professionals like Duane Hook of GetMeowtahere – Cat in a Tree Rescue, who has rescued cats across the world using rope-only techniques. His dedication — and the dedication of people like James and Ethan — has saved countless lives.

These are people who understand that every life matters, no matter how small or inconvenient the rescue might seem.

If You Ever Face a Cat-in-a-Tree Emergency

If a cat is stuck and unable to come down:

• Do not assume they’ll figure it out

• Monitor for signs of exhaustion or distress

• Search for professional cat-in-a-tree rescue services

• Call experienced tree professionals or animal rescue partners

In our community, we are fortunate to have people who answer those calls with skill, patience, and heart.

This little cat is safe today because someone climbed — and others held the ropes.

And that’s what real heroes look like.