Duane Hook spends his free time on a unique mission: scaling towering trees to rescue stranded cats. Earlier this month, the Ohio-based rescuer tackled a particularly “heavyweight” challenge: saving “Fat Cat,” a 25-pound feline trapped 45 feet up a tree. The heart-stopping rescue, recorded and posted to TikTok, has since garnered nearly 9 million views, showcasing both Hook’s daring skills and the internet’s enduring love for cat heroics.
Four Days Aloft: Fat Cat’s Perilous Perch
According to Hook, who spoke to Newsweek, Fat Cat had spent four days stranded on a thin branch far from the tree trunk, too heavy and scared to descend. “He looked torn between wanting to come down and panicking about the height,” Hook recalled. “When I reached his level, I realized the branches were weaker than they looked—every move had to be deliberate.” The cat’s predicament highlighted a common issue: while cats are agile climbers, their lack of downward mobility often leaves them stuck in high-risk situations.
A High-Wire Act: Luring a Reluctant Cat with Treats
Initially wary of his rescuer, Fat Cat stayed rooted to the branch’s end, forcing Hook to navigate a precarious sideways shuffle along the swaying wood. “I had to hold onto the trunk with one hand and offer treats with the other,” Hook said. The tactic worked: once the scent of tuna reached Fat Cat’s nose, the hungry feline inched closer, purring loudly as he accepted strokes from Hook’s free hand. “Some cats take hours to trust me, but Fat Cat was motivated by food—thankfully, I always carry high-quality treats.”
The Descent: A Cozy (if Uncomfortable) Rescue Bag
With Fat Cat safely within reach, Hook faced the next challenge: getting the hefty feline down. Using a specially designed rescue bag, he gently secured the cat, who protested with muffled meows during the slow climb down. “The bag is snug but secure—it prevents sudden movements that could lead to falls,” Hook explained. Within minutes, Fat Cat was back on solid ground, reunited with a tearful owner who had feared the worst.
TikTok Fame and a Passion for Pro Bono Rescues
Hook’s video, posted to his @getmeowttahere account, captures the dizzying height of the rescue, with viewers commenting, “I’m sweating just watching!” and “That cat owes him a lifetime of cuddles.” The clip’s success has shed light on Hook’s unpaid mission: he covers all costs for equipment and travel, estimating he’s spent thousands of dollars since starting rescues. “Every time I see a cat run back to their family, I remember why I do this,” he said. “If your cat goes missing, don’t just look on the ground—look up.”
Expert Tips: Preventing Tree Traps
Animal behaviorists note that cats often climb trees out of curiosity but struggle to descend due to their backward-facing claws. To minimize risks, they recommend:
- Installing balcony nets to prevent access to tall trees
- Providing indoor climbing structures, like cat trees, to satisfy climbing instincts
- Keeping cats indoors during mating seasons, when roaming tendencies increase
As for Fat Cat, the plump survivor is now thriving at home, spoiled with extra treats and a newfound appreciation for ground-level naps. And Hook? He’s already answered his next call—a calico stuck 30 feet up a pine tree. “The job’s never done,” he says with a laugh. “But someone’s got to be the ladder between danger and safety for these little adventurers.”
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