Cat in a Tree

 As a distraction from the Election,  I'm sharing the drama that played out last week with Nutmeg. 

It started  last Wednesday (10/28) evening.  Nutmeg usually goes out on the deck for a little while after dinner.  But she didn't come in.  I went out and called for her and finally heard her meowing up on the ledge in our front yard.

At 10 pm we found her 40 feet up in the air.   It was raining lightly and we called and called her.   She seemed too scared to try to come down.  We finally went in about 12:30 heart sick and scared.

We called the non-emergency line for the police and fireman.  They DO NOT rescue cats from trees.  

Here she is in the morning in the rain.  Still up in the air.  It was heartbreaking and we felt so helpless.

I took this video for Hanna.  She sounds so pitiful. 

We made dozens of calls including the Connecticut Climbing Club.  We went to REI and bought climbing equipment in case we had to do it ourselves.   We also looked into renting a lift but the ground is uneven and access isn't good. 

He can see her little head in the circle.

FINALLY an arborist said he's come and take a look. 

He agreed to go up.  He was very quiet and kind.  Here is about 4 feet off the ground.

He worked his way up talking very calmly to Nutmeg.  He also wore leather gloves because cat bites are no joke.

We stood by with a big sheet in case she freaked and jumped.....

We gave Mike a soft handled clothes hamper.  He was able to grab her and get in the bag and lower it gently to me.

Yay!  rescued!  We offered to pay Mike for his trouble and time and wouldn't accept it.  He said he has been doing this for 30 years and never takes a penny.  This renewed my faith in the kindness of people.

I have to tell you I sobbed with relief.  It was 16 long hours and I had no idea how it would end.  She was soaked to the skin.

Within a couple of hours, she was like "what?  what's the big deal"?

Did you know that I cat will stay in a tree for up to a week and then come down?  I can not imagine.

She did spend a lot time catching up on sleep.

And she stayed a little closer to me for a few days.

Does she feel bad?  No

Is she trying to go outside everyday?  Yes.

Is she the worst?  Yes

Do I adore her?  Absolutely.

Happy Friday.

Take Care.

Be Kind.

xo