Stuck over tree climbs

My three-year-old male cat has started climbing trees in my garden. I am worried he will end up stuck at the top of the tree. How long is it reasonable to leave him before getting help, and how? What is the best way to encourage a cat to come down?

- DR DAVID GRANT

Cats stuck in trees is a common occurrence and reason for calling animal rescue societies or the fire services. But in my career I have never been asked to attend an incident or recall treating a severely injured cat that had fallen.

Unfortunately, cats are far more likely to fall off high balconies or windows, causing severe injuries to those that survive-the so-called “high rise syndrome”. This is a common problem in warm weather and with a little forethought, entirely preventable.

Cats often climb trees to chase squirrels or birds. They are very well-equipped, with backwardly positioned claws to climb, but don’t have this advantage coming down.