North Bend, WA — When a stray cat spent a week stranded 90 feet up a cedar tree at a Renton apartment complex, local authorities and tree services couldn’t help. But for Shaun Sears of Canopy Cat Rescue, it was just another day on the job.
Sears, a professional arborist, scaled the towering tree on Monday at the Cedar Park Apartments after residents reported the distressed feline. Firefighters, animal control, and even commercial tree services had declined to assist—some citing fees the concerned bystanders couldn’t cover.
“No one’s going to pay for a cat that isn’t theirs,” Sears told ABC News, which first reported the story. Equipped with a GoPro and climbing gear, he ascended to the trembling cat, calming it with scratches behind the ears before securing it by the scruff. “He realized I was friendly,” Sears said.
A Free Service for Felines in Peril
Sears and his brother-in-law, Tom, launched Canopy Cat Rescue five years ago after noticing how often cats get stuck in trees—and how few affordable options exist to save them. Unlike many arborists who charge upwards of $200 per rescue, their nonprofit operates on donations.
“We’ve rescued over 1,000 cats, including 327 this year alone,” Sears told PEOPLE. “We believe all cats deserve help, regardless of their owners’ ability to pay.”
With 15 years of climbing experience, the duo has tackled trees exceeding 165 feet. “It’s a labor of love,” Sears said. “We’re cat lovers, and this fills a critical need in our community.”
A Happy Ending for ‘Cedar’
The rescued stray, now named Cedar after his arboreal ordeal, was adopted by the apartment complex’s property manager. “He’s doing awesome,” Sears said.
Canopy Cat Rescue relies on public donations to continue its mission. To support their efforts, visit [donation link].
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