A cat named Fats, who climbed high up a tree in an Uphams Corner backyard and got stuck for four days, was rescued by an intrepid staffer from the Animal Rescue League of Boston on Nov. 29.

According to a spokesman for the non-profit, Fats “had perched itself on a limb about 30 feet off the ground, and ARL Field Services agent David Anderson was able to scale the tree and by talking calmly to the cat and offering him food, was able to lure him close enough to safely be corralled and placed into a carrier for the return trip to solid ground.”

Above, David Anderson of the ARL Boston made the ascent to retrieve Fats the cat from his treetop perch in Uphams Corner on Nov. 29.

The rescuers brought Fats to their Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for a medical evaluation and signs of ownership— and found that he’d been microchipped by his owner using the ARL’s Wellness Waggin’, a mobile veterinary clinic offering low-cost, high-quality pet wellness services in several Greater Boston communities, including Dorchester. Fats had been microchipped on the Wellness Waggin’ in 2022.

The owner, Tolga Shields, had been searching for Fats for several days.

The ARL says she “had even heard him meowing during one of her searches, however, she did not realize that the sound had been coming from above her.”

The ARL provides technical rescues like tree climbing and swift/ice water rescues for injured domestic animals, livestock, and raptors, including turkey vultures, ospreys, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. Anyone in need of assistance can contact their hotline at 617-426-9170 x563.