A cat had to be rescued by the RSPCA and fire service after she was stuck up a 45 foot-high tree in Liverpool for two days.

The tabby cat was first spotted by a member of the public in the tree in Allerford Road on Friday morning and they made attempts to lure her down. But the cat was too scared and in fact had climbed up higher up the tree so they reported the matter to the RSPCA.

Animal Collection Officer Laura Metcalfe was sent to the incident on Sunday and could see the distinctive female cat, which had her tail missing, was in trouble so called for the assistance of Merseyside Fire Service.

Fire crews assessed the situation and because of the trees and shrubbery in the area, which was at the back of Croxteth Park, they were unable to use their ladders to get to the cat so they called for the help of their specialist rope and rescue team.

One of the rope team members attached herself to the tree and was able to climb up safely and managed to encourage the frightened feline down from the top so she was able to get hold of her.

The relieved cat was then taken safely to the ground.

Station Manager Chris Barrett said: “Firefighters from Croxteth Community Fire Station were called to the aid of this trapped feline on Sunday at the request of the RSPCA. It seems the cat had been stuck in the tree, approximately 30 – 40 feet high, for a number of days.

"She was obviously in distress and unable to get down on her own. Crews attempted to rescue the cat using a ladder but due to the density of the trees and shrubbery, were unable to and so called on their colleagues in our search and rescue team for additional support.

"They were then able to set up a rope system and safely rescue the cat unharmed. We’re happy we were able to help bring the cat down to safety and hope she is reunited with her owner as soon as possible.

“If you see an animal in distress, please contact the RSPCA who will in turn contact the fire service if we are needed. Do not attempt to rescue the animal yourself.”

ACO Metcalfe took her to a nearby vets where she was found to be in good health but she was not microchipped so an appeal is now being made to help find her owner.

Laura said: “The cat was crying constantly - she was obviously terrified and was on one of the top branches which was very weak and struggling to carry her weight.

“It was worrying as the wind was quite strong - but the fire service did a fantastic job in helping to bring the cat safely down.

“She is so friendly and loving she is obviously someone’s pet but as she is not microchipped and we don’t know who owns her.

“She is very distinctive looking - particularly as her tail has been amputated - which would have taken place for medical reasons so it is clear someone has cared for her.

“I am now appealing for anyone who knows who the cat belongs to to get in touch so we can reunite them. I am sure someone must be missing this lovely cat.”

The cat is currently being cared for at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. Anyone with information about who the cat belongs to should call 0300 123 8018.