McKeesport firefighters rescue cat stuck in tree

It’s not known if the animal has an owner.

Rescuing cats out of trees is something usually seen on TV shows, but it became a real-life scenario Tuesday when McKeesport firefighters had to do just that.

McKeesport firefighters were called to help rescue this cat from a tree.

McKeesport Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeff List said they received a call Tuesday morning about a cat that was stuck high on a tree. List said the fire department is always willing to help even in the oddest of situations.

“We received a call this morning at the station about a cat stuck up in a tree, and I was actually just getting off duty when the call came in,” List said. “So the guys on duty responded to the call to see if they could be some assistance, and fortunately, we were able to and rescued the cat, and it was a successful call.”

List emphasized that the department is always happy to help, even with a frightened feline.

McKeesport Fire Department firefighter Joshua Carlini is shown after rescuing a cat from a tree.

“If the citizens of McKeesport call, from big to small emergencies, we respond to them all,” List said. “No call is too big or too small. If the residents of McKeesport need us, we’re there.”

List said the cat was brought down safely and wasn’t injured during the incident. List said they didn’t have information about whether the cat had a known owner, but said it is now under veterinarian care.

In a post on the page of the McKeesport Firefighters IAFF Local 10, pictures show firefighter Joshua Carlini climbing up a fire truck ladder and bringing down the cat. List said retired firefighter Rob Patterson also helped with the rescue.

“‘Do you rescue cats from trees?’ As a matter of fact we do,” the IAFF joked on its Facebook post. “And even our retirees help out. Don’t go far Rob, we may need your help again. We call Joshua Carlini the cat whisperer. Please don’t tell anyone about that.”

The fire department also had some help from the McKeesport Area School District to bring down the cat. According to List, the district reported the cat was stuck up on the tree.

List said the McKeesport Fire Department is available for anything, but in case you ever find your cat in a tree and are afraid to bother your local fire department, here are some tips from PetCo:

• Coax the cat to come down by calling it or even putting out food like tuna.

• Give the cat some assistance by leading it down with a laser pointer or by putting a ladder near the tree.

• If safe, try to use a ladder and get the cat on your own. Only do that if there is someone else around to hold your ladder steady.