Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/tabby-tree-rescue/

After finding himself stranded in a tree, 35 feet above the ground, a 17-year-old Indianapolis boy has learned why daring pet rescues are better off left to the experts.

The boy, named Owen, first spotted a tabby cat in the tree at a Holliday Park. Thinking the cat had no other way down, Owen began climbing.

Owen reached the cat, but that left him in need of a rescue himself. The boy wasn’t able to climb back down the tree without risking a perilous fall.

According to the Kansas City Star, firefighters were called to help being Owen down that Saturday afternoon. First a fire engine, then a rope rescue team.

“While Owen had no trouble climbing up the tree — his positioning did not allow the same ease for getting down,” the department said.

Close to a dozen rescuers positioned themselves under the tree to ensure Owen’s safe rescue. Meanwhile, many Holliday Park visitors drew nearer to see what the fuss was about.

Pictures from the rescue show Owen holding tightly to a thick branch as rescue crews set up a ladder and began scaling the tree.

It took about an hour to bring the boy back down to level ground.

“Other than a few scrapes, he was perfectly fine,” fire officials later posted on Facebook.

All the while, the cat never left its perch.

“The cat seemed to enjoy the commotion but literally made no effort to climb down the tree,” the fire department posted.

Commenters added a few funny suggestions as to what the stubborn Tabby may have been thinking.

“Further proof that cats are jerks. Adorable, lovely undeniable jerks,” one comment wrote.

“A dog would have had the decency to be helped down after all the effort,” posted another.

“Great job IFD! Great job Owen for an above and beyond, kind-hearted try,” another commenter posted. “That darn cat.”

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog