Orange cat’s meows lead to bridge pillar rescue in Samut Prakan

An orange cat stuck more than 10 metres above ground on a concrete bridge pillar in Samut Prakan was safely rescued last night, January 11, after locals heard it meowing for two days.

At around 7pm, the Dan Samrong Subdistrict Municipality deployed a cherry picker truck to rescue the cat from a pillar beneath the Si Thepha overpass along Srinagarindra Road, in Thepharak subdistrict, Mueang district.

Residents nearby had alerted authorities after finally locating the source of the cat’s cries, which had been heard in the area for two days, reported CH7 News.

To carry out the operation, officers temporarily closed off the centre traffic lane so the cherry picker could extend its arm. Two rescue officials were lifted up with a large net to reach the pillar where the cat was perched.

The cat reportedly leapt into the net without resistance, to the delight of the concerned locals who had gathered below. The entire operation took about 30 minutes.

Officials described the cat as healthy, plump, and wearing a blue collar, suggesting it belongs to someone. The rescue team entrusted the cat to a local volunteer, who will care for it temporarily while attempting to locate the owner.

As for how the cat ended up on the bridge pillar, officials believe it may have been startled by New Year fireworks and escaped or may have accidentally travelled on a vehicle without the owner’s knowledge before falling off and climbing to safety.

One resident, who was the first to spot the cat, said he had heard its cries for two days but couldn’t find it. After climbing the wrong pillar during his morning search yesterday, he finally spotted the cat sitting visibly on the structure that same evening and called for help.

Similarly, back in April, a brave cat captured attention after being found alive more than a week after a powerful earthquake brought down a 30-storey building, thanks to a rescue dog that located her during ongoing search efforts.