Cat needs Fire Brigade's aerial lift to get down from tree

The cat managed to get itself stuck after chasing birds up the tree. It was spotted and closely monitored by residents at Dudeney Lodge in Upper Hollingdean Road, Brighton.

An eyewitness said: "It all started when the little cat chased magpies up the tree.

"The noise got my attention when I saw it still up in the afternoon, so I rang the RSPCA.

"They informed more that the procedure was to leave it if there was good weather until the following day and if it was still there, then I should call them again.

A cat was rescued from a tree after being stuck for 24 hour

"This is what I did, and after a phone call in the afternoon from the RSPCA asking if it was still there, the fire brigade came and rescued the cat.

The fire brigade was unable to rescue the cat with ladders but managed to reach it with an aerial lift without causing any harm on Saturday. RSPCA rescuer Julie Parsons checked her over, and the young female black and white cat was uninjured but a little shaken.

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Julie said: "This poor cat had got herself well and truly stuck in quite a high tree on a thin bit of branch.

"We are very grateful that the fire services could assist us in helping this poor moggy in bringing her to safety.

The cats owners are yet to come forward

"The cat is not microchipped, and no owner has come forward yet, so she is now in the care of our RSPCA Patcham Animal Centre in Brighton."

Cats are usually very capable of getting themselves down from a tree but can occasionally get stuck. The RSPCA advises that people try to coax them down with a strong-smelling food, and if that does not work, then call the RSPCA.

The RSPCA has advice on what to do if you see an injured wild animal or an animal in need of help. Just visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals.