A WAVERLY, NOVA SCOTIA, CAT THAT HAS BEEN PERCHED HIGH in a tree since Friday has, so far, rebuffed three attempts by local firefighters to get it back down to terra firma.
Shady, the black feline ascended the tree Friday and seems to enjoy his perch. Despite his owners’ attempt to coax him down with tasty food treats, he only climbs higher whenever somebody goes up to “save” him.
Shady doesn’t care much for cameras, either. (CBC )
Kristin Williams, executive director of the Nova Scotia SPCA, tells the CBC that she doesn’t think there is any need to be concerned.
She has never heard of case where a cat died because of being stuck in a tree, she said. “It’s quite likely that the cat is actually coming down when there is nobody around to actually see this happening.
Shady may choose to stay in the tree during the daytime for quite a while before coming down for good, Williams said.
The SPCA doesn’t respond to cats in trees. Halifax animal control is not mandated to deal with cats, let alone cats in trees. And the fire department is not required to, either, since it’s not considered an emergency.
Nevertheless, fire crews have visited the house with a ladder three times, twice on Saturday and again on Sunday, trying to coax the cat from his perch. The CBC also reports (HERE) that a town councilor said that he would have the FD bring out their “bucket truck” for another attempt today.
First Question to the owner. “Has this animal ever done this before?” If Yes, pack up and go home. If No..Second Question to the owner..”When was the last Rabies shot?” If answer is “never,” “I can't remember” or it “It's been a while.” Call animal control and assist them in the situation. Because, they are the experts. If they have no interest or concern than the FD should not have any either.
Note to self, Rabies causes behavioral changes in the early stages. A cat (or any animal) acting out of character should throw up a caution flag. Rabies is transferred by saliva. Cats licking there paws/caws can place the rabies virus on the cats #1 defense mechanisms. Would you want to expose yourself or your firefighters to the possibility of an exposure from a Rabid animal? If you get scratched/bit and cannot quarantine the animal (aka. It got away.), guess who will be receiving rabies treatment?….Answer, You.
Wow, Good Point SCFFEMT-P, I didn't even think that Shady's issue was perhaps a behavioral problem linked to rabies. I had commented on another article yesterday about another situation with a cat that had scaled a utility pole and wouldn't come down. They finally did get a bucket truck up to her, and the cat leaped to a nearby tree…go figure!
I agree though, better safe than sorry. They might want to use a sliding noose to try and grab the kitty as opposed to manually grabbing her and running the risk of any personal health risk.
Kitty looks none-too-happy, does she?
Thanks for the information!
Wow, Good Point SCFFEMT-P, I didn't even think that Shady's issue was perhaps a behavioral problem linked to rabies. I had commented on another article yesterday about another situation with a cat that had scaled a utility pole and wouldn't come down. They finally did get a bucket truck up to her, and the cat leaped to a nearby tree…go figure!
I agree though, better safe than sorry. They might want to use a sliding noose to try and grab the kitty as opposed to manually grabbing her and running the risk of any personal health risk.
Kitty looks none-too-happy, does she?
Thanks for the information!