A purrfect team effort to save cat stuck on 11,000 volt electricity pole in Burley

RSPCA officers and crews from Western Power Distribution have rescued a cat stuck up a 40ft electricity pole in Rutland.

The drama unfolded last week when the cat, which is believed to be feral, was spotted on top of the tall, wooden pole in Exton Lane, Burley, by members of the public who were concerned it couldn’t get down.

RSPCA inspector Sharon Knight and trainee inspector Georgina Bowles went to check on the safety of the cat and as the situation was dangerous, decided to call on help from local power company, Western Power.

Inspector Knight said: “Cats often climb trees, scale telegraph poles and clamber onto rooftops but usually make their own way back down. However, sometimes the situation is too dangerous to leave the cat and we feel we have to intervene.

"On this occasion, the cat was extremely high and was sitting on top of a telegraph pole which was carrying extremely high-voltage power lines, around 11,000 volts strong.

“This was obviously an extremely dangerous situation for the cat, and for us, so we had to call in a team from the local power company, Western Power Distribution.”

The rescue team quickly arrived on the scene and cut off the power before using a cherry picker to try get to the cat.

Western Power Distribution’s Melton team manager Mark Baxter said: “Occasionally pets do make their way into substations or up poles.

“Our equipment is dangerous, so we would urge members of the public to ring 105 and ask our engineers for help rather than attempt a rescue themselves.”

Inspector Knight added: “All of the work must have spooked the cat because as soon as the cherry picker started approaching he jumped into the tree branches below and scarpered down before making a run for it.

“He ran off quickly and didn’t appear injured despite his adventure.

“We spoke to a local farmer who believes the cat is a feral who lives nearby and is going to keep an eye out for him to check he’s not injured.

“I’d like to thank Western Power who attended so quickly and were incredibly helpful, as well as the members of the public who reported this cat to us.”

Anyone concerned about a cat stuck in a tree, up a pole or on a roof should call the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.