Strangers have saved a Maidstone family’s Christmas after their funds were wiped out rescuing their “dopey” Ragdoll cat from a towering oak tree.
Winter, a five-year-old Ragdoll, spent three days and two nights stranded 75 feet up the tree near her home in Parkwood, Maidstone, too frightened to climb down. Owner Nicola Garrett was heartbroken as the much-loved pet meowed helplessly from the high branches.
Nicola initially reached out to the RSPCA and the fire service, but neither could assist. Growing increasingly desperate, she hired a tree surgeon online who quoted £200 after negotiations from an initial £350.
“They claimed to be tree surgeons, but they didn’t have the proper equipment,” Nicola explained. “They tried for maybe five minutes with a house ladder and quickly gave up, saying they couldn’t go any higher. They told me they’d ‘tried their best,’ but I still had to pay them.”
Winter, spooked by the commotion, climbed even higher into the tree. Nicola reluctantly paid the £200, depleting the family’s Christmas fund meant for gifts and festivities for her 11-year-old daughter, Scarlet, who had convinced her to get Winter.
Nicola described Winter as a typically “placid and dopey” Ragdoll. “She’s never been stuck in a tree before. This is all new to her. People kept saying she’d come down, but she just stayed up there.”
Tracy Bosman, from Kent Wildlife Rescue Service (KWRS), stepped in after hearing about Nicola’s plight. “She was clearly desperate and had already spent Christmas money. I felt for her,” Tracy said.
Tracy contacted professional tree climber Marco Boffa, who arrived equipped with the necessary tools. With care and patience, he climbed the 75-foot tree, coaxed Winter from the edge of a branch, and safely brought her down. Nicola gladly paid £100 for his services.
Once back home, Winter appeared unbothered, heading straight to Scarlet’s bed. Tracy checked her for dehydration and confirmed she was unharmed. Nicola reflected on the ordeal: “She’s a lot more cautious now. She doesn’t stay outside for long anymore.”
To help recoup Nicola’s losses, Tracy posted an appeal online. The local community and supporters of KWRS responded generously, raising £277. Tracy delivered the funds to Nicola in a Christmas card.
Nicola was moved by the gesture: “It was such a shock. I nearly cried. It shows there are wonderful people out there, despite everything.” She donated £50 of the raised funds to KWRS as a token of gratitude.
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