Lucky cat escapes uninjured after 40ft fall
A CAT risked one of his nine lives by leaping from a 40ft building.
Tigger the tabby survived his death-defying act, but only after a fire crew had been assembled to rescue him.
The lucky moggy had been missing for 11 days when he was spotted on the roof of a house in Moorend Park Road, Cheltenham.
RSPCA officer Steve Davies and a team of firefighters were called to entice the stranded pet from the roof.
The homeowner called the RSPCA at 8.40am yesterday.
Judith Haw, spokeswoman for the RSPCA, said the homeowner knew the cat had got into the house a week ago but thought it had escaped again.
She said: "We had a call to say the cat was on the caller's roof about 40ft up. It had got into their chimney and climbed up."
A crowd gathered as fire crews used a rescue platform to try and save Tigger, who was hiding behind the chimney.
As they tried to scoop him up, Tigger leapt from the roof and fell to the ground.
Tigger's owner Mary Nightingale, who lives in nearby Gordon Road, said: "I saw this tabby face poking out from the chimney and I didn't realise it was my cat at first.
"I just heard all this meowing coming from the roof."
Tigger fell on grass and ran away from the dramatic scene uninjured.
Judith said: "Anything can happen with these sort of rescues. The animals can get spooked as this one did and then fall off. He was lucky not to be injured."
She added: "This is a good example of why cats should be microchipped because they can get in so many situations you would not believe."
Mary said Tigger was covered in chimney soot but was in good health.
She said: "He has had a good feed and has now fallen asleep on the chair. I am amazed he hasn't even broken a bone."
For more information about microchipping, visit www.rspca-cheltenhameastglos.org.uk.
OPINION, P8
9 Comments
by Drew Peacock, Westgate
Sunday, February 21 2010, 1:33PM
“'A crowd gathered as fire crews used a rescue platform to try and save Tigger, who was hiding behind the chimney.'
I'm surprised PD wasn't there for a photo-op.
Oh, I remember now, he had to go to an opening.........
....of an envelope!”
by Barbara, Plettenberg Bay
Sunday, February 21 2010, 10:00AM
“My husband was working at the bottom of a 7000 ft ventilation shaft at Doornforntein gold mine when I heard a shreiking sound that got louder and nearer. There was a thud and more thuds. It was raining kittens. Seven of them. All survived the 7000 ft drop. The story had a happy ending as I arranged for them all to get homes. we never found who had thrown them down the shaft.”
by katladie, Florida
Saturday, February 20 2010, 11:05PM
“Glad for Tigger. Happy he is home and safe. I hope the owners learn from it. Chip the cat or keep him in. It could have been worse. Glad for the rescue crew, happy they were able to try and also get the experience. A happy ending for Tigger!!!”
by standee, Up the chimney (just passing through)
Saturday, February 20 2010, 3:00PM
“Cat goes climbabout
People getting in a flap
Tigger's just dropped off”
by Firefighter, Gloucs
Saturday, February 20 2010, 3:00PM
“BJM, Hatherley - There is no "cost" to rescues like this - they become training. The ALP (arial lift platform) crews don't get much activity except in the training yard, and every situation has learnings that can be incorporated into future procedures. Plus, if FRS don't attend jobs like this, the next thing you know is we'll be heading off to persons reported trapped on roofs as they attempt to rescue the animals themselves”
by BJM, Hatherley
Saturday, February 20 2010, 12:34PM
“I assume that the Fire and Rescue Service will be billing the animal's owner for the cost of wasting their time?”
by Mat, Cheltenham
Saturday, February 20 2010, 9:42AM
“And they say cats are intelligent ...”
by Peter, Cheltenham
Saturday, February 20 2010, 8:38AM
“An RSPCA spokesperson said this was a good reason to microchip pets ; why; would a microchip stop the cat climbing up the chimney. All cats like to explore and it is impossible to stop them getting into trouble unless it is an indoor cat and even then they will find mischief somehow. The cat in this case is obviously alright as it would not have eaten a good meal and gone to sleep if it was in any pain or discomfort although cats do have a high tolerance to pain. Maybe one life gone in this case.”
by animallover, cotswolds
Saturday, February 20 2010, 7:56AM
“I presume she did get it checked by a vet as it could of internal injuries that are not visable?”