Dramatic Rescue Saves Cat Stuck in 100-Foot Tree

Rescuers brave snowstorm to rescue feline in peril after over 24 hours in the elements.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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A dramatic rescue of a cat named Oak clinging to life in a 100-foot-tall tree was caught on video after a snowstorm in Baltimore. The cat was stuck at the top of the tree for over 24 hours, enduring freezing rain and high winds. Rescuers from the Baltimore County Fire Department and a local tree service company worked together to safely retrieve the cat, who suffered a broken leg and frostbite but is expected to recover.

Why it matters

The rescue highlights the dangers stray and abandoned pets can face during extreme weather events, as well as the importance of community efforts to protect vulnerable animals. It also showcases the skills and bravery of first responders and animal welfare organizations in carrying out complex rescue operations.

The details

After receiving distressed calls from onlookers, the Baltimore County Fire Department was unable to reach the cat, so they called in Patrick Dotson of Healthy Trees Tree Service to assist. Dotson, who had previous training in climber rescues but had never saved a cat before, had to get creative to reach the feline. He first tried to coax the cat down with cat food, but Oak only climbed higher. Dotson then decided to cut a branch to create a bridge to grab the cat, leading to a heart-pounding moment when Oak jumped off the tree as rescuers finally got hold of him.

  • Oak was stuck in the tree for over 24 hours during the snowstorm.
  • The rescue operation took place on February 3, 2026.

The players

Oak

The cat who was rescued from the 100-foot tree, likely a stray from a nearby apartment building.

Dawn Cannella

The founder of Peninsula Colony Cats, an animal rescue organization that assisted with Oak's rescue.

Patrick Dotson

The owner of Healthy Trees Tree Service, who was called in to perform the complex rescue operation after the fire department was unable to reach the cat.

Baltimore County Fire Department

The first responders who were initially called to the scene but could not reach the cat in the tall tree.

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What they’re saying

“Emotionally, horrible. It was awful. I couldn't sleep. We knew we had to get the cat out of the tree before he died.”

— Dawn Cannella, Founder, Peninsula Colony Cats (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“I thought God was calling me to rescue the cat, that was the first initial thing. I've done training area rescues for climbers. I've never rescued a cat before. I put it on my (business) card just to be ready.”

— Patrick Dotson, Owner, Healthy Trees Tree Service (98online.com)

What’s next

Oak still needs to recover for a few more weeks before he's ready for adoption, but he has already received significant interest from potential adopters.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue showcases the importance of community efforts to protect vulnerable animals, as well as the skills and bravery of first responders and animal welfare organizations in carrying out complex rescue operations, even in the face of extreme weather conditions.