"Cleo" is stuck a long time up High

Executive Summary

Nicky contacted me via voice mail mid-morning on Mother's day - his kitty "Cleo" had been stuck for five nights and all rescue attempts had failed, please help! The photo showed a 20 foot ladder leaning against a tree, and there was no kitty in sight for the first 40 feet of the tree, which was a bad sign. After arrival, my heart sank when Nicky pointed out Cleo's position - she was about 60 feet up perched precariously on some small limbs. Even though a tarp was stretched out underneath her, Nicky and I set up my large net for extra coverage in case she fell. Fortunately, I was able to hit a suitable tie-in point at 50 feet for my rope on the first try with the Big-shot. After gearing up, I started climbing. As I neared Cleo, she cried anxiously for rescue. I noted that I would just be able to reach her by standing on my tie-in limb, which made me feel better as a rescue pole grab is always risky. I reached the tie-point, put a couple of lanyards above that, and pulled myself up on top of the tie-in branch. I put the Kat-bag on my hand and was just able to reach Cleo for the snag. When I tried to pull her off the limb, her rear legs got caught in a notch, and a wild tussle ensued as I tried to push her back legs up and out while maintaining a grip on Cleo. It was touch-and-go involving kitty yowling and hissing but I finally got her off the limb and into the bag. Back on the ground, Nicky took Cleo inside for some long-delayed food and water, and a difficult rescue was finished.

Nicky and Charlotte, thanks for both of your extremely generous donations to Lovable Feline Rescue of North Alabama.