Why a cat sometimes can’t come down from a tree and how to help it

Each of us has seen a cat that sits high on a tree and meows pitifully. The animal looks down in horror, clearly wanting to go down, but cannot. In such cases, some compassionate citizens climb up to help the poor fellow, others call rescuers. There is a third category, which argues philosophically: “Have you ever seen the skeleton of a cat on a tree?” But still, why can’t these agile and tenacious animals, having cheerfully climbed a tree, then come down?

A cat may climb high in a tree for various reasons. Most often, danger drives her there. These could be dogs, dangerous people, including angry children, or even sudden loud noises. At the top, the cat feels safe and can stay in the branches for a very long time. Some even sleep in trees, because they can do it anywhere. But not everyone manages to go down without a “support group”.

Some animals return to earth as easily and gracefully as they ascended upward. Some even delight spectators with a dizzying jump to the ground from a height of several meters. But there are other cats that panic and begin to scream loudly, clutching the bark with a death grip.

The fact is that cats' claws are curved down. They are excellent for climbing, but not very suitable for descending. For us, the solution is obvious - go down backwards. But what is acceptable for humans is not suitable for animals. The cat definitely needs to control the situation, to see where it is going. She inherited this feature from her ancestors, who survived in the most extreme conditions.

This does not apply to all animals. Some cats go down without any problems. Some of them organize a concert before this, depicting hopelessness on a tree. Why some cope with this task and others do not is unknown. Obviously, there are desperate individuals and cowards among cats, just like among people.

If you see a poor cat stuck in a tree and feel its plight, you don't have many options. The first is to turn into a superhero and, at the risk of breaking your neck, climb up the branches. The second, not extreme, is to call rescuers with special equipment.

In the second case, you do not risk getting injured (this is not certain), but you can learn a lot of new things about yourself. The rescuers have a lot of important and urgent things to do, and even if they arrive, they will not be happy at all. The third method will be the most correct. If your cat is stuck in a tree, position yourself so that she cannot see you. Sooner or later, the animal, without receiving support, will overcome the psychological barrier and go down with its tail down.

If it's an outdoor cat, the same thing will happen. Most likely, the return to earth will happen even faster, because homeless animals are better adapted to unusual situations. But if you stand under a tree and call your cat, the process may take longer. Many tailed animals will press for pity and demand your intervention.

Finally, it is worth saying that having been through such a mess, the second time the animal copes with the problem much faster. Many cats eventually become skilled tree climbers.