DAREDEVIL CAT RESCUED FROM 60FT HIGH LEDGE IN SALFORD  

Chio endured icy conditions and a hail storm whilst stranded on the ledge 

Curiosity almost got the better of a cat who found himself stranded 60ft (18.2m) in the air on a narrow building ledge in Salford.

After going missing overnight, Chio was eventually spotted nestling into a window corner, 60 ft above the ground after he escaped from an apartment last Tuesday (14 March). 

Emily Davis, who was looking after Chio for a friend, contacted the RSPCA in distress after discovering the cat had escaped and spent the night napping on the dangerously high ledge.

RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo arrived on the scene later that morning, but was unable to rescue the cat due to the height and difficult location. 

Jessica contacted the local Fire and Rescue Service to see if they were able to assist - given the equipment at their disposal - and firefighters quickly attended. The crew erected a ladder and attempted to coax the frightened cat over with food.

Jessica said:

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“The ledge was next to a large glass window and Chio was desperately trying to get in through it, but unfortunately the window didn’t open. The angle was really difficult and the crew eventually made the decision to come back down after fearing Chio was going to jump if they reached over. He kept stretching his front paws as though he wanted to jump so they backed off.”

Firefighters abandoned attempts to reach him by ladder, and called another crew from Stretford to bring their cherry picker.

Jessica, continued:

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“The second crew went up with a cat carrier in the cherry picker and were thankfully able to reach Chio and bring him back down to safety.

“The poor lady who was looking after Chio was distraught. She said the flat had a balcony and roof garden area that the cat went out on all the time and he had never wandered off before. 

“The apartment Chio lives in is on the other side of the building, so he’d roamed quite far away from home. He really picked his moment to go wandering, the weather was horrific. It was really cold and it had been hail storming and raining whilst he was out on that ledge.

“Situations like these really demonstrate the excellent relationship we have with the emergency services and what can be achieved when organisations work together for animal welfare.”

 

Thankfully, the daring Chio was rescued safely and returned to his owner. 

Emily said:

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“I want to say a massive thank you to the fire and rescue teams and to the RSPCA inspector who helped bring Chio down safely. I was so distressed at the time I could only think of getting Chio back safely. I’m so relieved to have him back and that he is okay!”

Often if a cat is stuck up a tree, or on a roof, they are usually able to get themselves back down again. Unless there are severe weather conditions, the cat appears injured or hurt, or the cat is at an impossible height such as this one, the RSPCA advises that people monitor the situation for 24 hours and try coaxing them down with smelly treats or fish.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal can visit the RSPCA website for advice on what to do.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: https://rspca.org.uk/give.

Photo ©: RSPCA - Salford