Electrical workers rescue too-curious cat from atop power line

Worker climbing a utility pole, carrying equipment among bare trees.

Photo: Ian Sargeant

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

This is a cat rescue tale. It involves Mister, a too-curious black cat, and the Board of Water & Light. The story will take you to new heights, expose great cat peril and another actual loss of power to an entire neighborhood.

Mister, the black cat Ian Sargeant adopted from abandonment at a South Lansing Quality Dairy last spring, didn't come home for dinner Sunday.

Worker climbing a utility pole, carrying equipment among bare trees.
Photo: Ian Sargeant

Soon enough, Mister was found on Monday morning up a 45-feet-tall backyard utility pole crying his heart out, Sitting on top of the transformer box. Unreachable and in very real danger of getting fried. Ian called the power company.

"One guy showed up and saw what was going on and said, 'We can't mess around. Your cat is next to a high voltage line. He could die any second. I'm going to drive to a major junction box and cut the power to the neighborhood.'"

 

Worker climbing a utility pole to maintain equipment, wearing a helmet and safety gear.

When the unidentified BWL worker came back, he tied a cable around his waist, put on spiked, pole-climbing shoes and didn't stop until he could introduce himself to Mister. The idea was to persuade Mister to hop into the canvass bag the worker had carried with him. A rope attached to the bag handle would enable it to be lowered to the ground.

"Mister did not like it even though we put food in there for him," said Ian.

Negotiations ensued. Mister hopped onto the back of the BWL lineman. Attempts were made to place Mister in the bag. Third time was the charm, Ian said.

When the bag reached the ground, "Mister made a beeline for the house." Ian said.

Ian thanked the workers, who declined to identify themselves and refused to accept any gratuity.

"They said, 'nope, just have a good day," Ian said. "The guys from BWL were just awesome. They came out really promptly. They made sure my cat's safety was in order. They didn't fool around. They were extremely professional and showed they cared.

Mister is doing much better & avoiding power poles.


SHARE YOUR OWN RESCUE STORY


Story submitted by Ian Sargeant from East Lansing, MI.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!

Guest Contributor

Stories from our readers, contributions from our friends in the animal rescue world, updates from charitable partners, and more!

Back to blog
Customers Also Viewed

Styles Up to 60% OFF

Up to 80% OFF!

Up to 80% OFF!

Recommended Just For You
Recently Viewed & Trending Items

article continues below

from The Animal Rescue Site by GreaterGood
Mr. Whiskers the senior cat

Click to Help Mr. Whiskers Today!

This beloved senior kitty needed preventative care and medication his elderly owner couldn't afford. By clicking you help him and other cats get the help they need.


Visit Click for Paws to support pets in need for FREE.