Firefighters Rescue ‘Sharply Dressed’ Cat Stranded on Lewiston Roof
LEWISTON, Maine — Firefighters in Lewiston came to the aid of a “sharply dressed tuxedo cat” that had found itself stranded on the steep roof of a residential home, approximately 40 feet above the ground. The Lewiston Fire Department, in coordination with local animal control officers, conducted a careful rescue operation to bring the adventurous feline safely down.
The incident unfolded when the Engine 3 crew arrived at the scene and spotted the cat perched precariously on the steep rooftop. Lieutenant Rob Gayton and Private Dennis Everson quickly set up a ladder to reach the stranded animal. Approaching the cat with caution, Gayton recalled, “Sometimes they scratch, sometimes they bite. This one was calm. The cat came up to my hand, sniffed it and I snagged him.”
Despite the calm demeanor during the rescue, the cat expressed its displeasure vocally on the descent, meowing nonstop as if protesting the end of its rooftop adventure. “The cat was less than impressed that his roof-top excursion had come to an end,” Gayton said.
Once safely on the ground, the tuxedo cat was handed over to animal control, who are now working to identify its owner. This rescue highlights the important role local fire departments and animal control agencies play in ensuring the safety of both residents and their pets.
Such incidents underscore the need for pet owners to be vigilant about their animals’ whereabouts, especially in neighborhoods with multi-story homes and steep roofs. The Lewiston Fire Department’s swift and careful response prevented what could have been a dangerous fall for the feline.
For more information on animal rescue protocols and fire safety, the U.S. Fire Administration provides resources on emergency response, while the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service offers guidance on animal welfare and control.
Residents curious about local animal control services can visit the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, which oversees animal health and welfare programs in the state. Meanwhile, the National Fire Protection Association offers extensive information on fire safety and prevention, including tips for pet owners.
This latest rescue adds to a series of unusual animal-related incidents reported across the country, from escaped monkeys in Missouri to large pythons found in Australian homes, highlighting the unpredictable nature of animal emergencies and the dedication of first responders nationwide.
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