NJ Arborist Rescues 200+ Cats From Trees for Free

Steve Murrow climbs 70-foot trees at least once a week to rescue terrified cats, and he's never asked for payment because saving lives shouldn't come with a price tag.

The Pitman arborist owns Tesla Tree Service by day, but his side mission has become legendary across New Jersey. For five years, he's been answering desperate calls from families whose pets are stranded high above ground, using his rock climbing skills and tree expertise to bring them safely down.

It all started with a friend's plea. Someone posted online about a cat stuck in a tree for five days, and Murrow's friends knew he had just learned tree climbing. He said yes to that first rescue, and the calls haven't stopped since.

His technique is surprisingly methodical. Murrow launches a throw line into the tree to create a lifeline, then walks up the rope using climbing gear. He positions himself above or beside the cat, then sweet-talks them while offering treats from a bag attached to his harness.

Once he gains their trust, he gently places the cat in a roped bag with a drawstring and descends with the animal safely secured. Every rescue has succeeded, though some required dramatic jump-and-catch maneuvers with blankets ready below.

Sunny's Take

The rescues aren't always easy. Murrow once saved a cat named Biscuit from 70 feet up a pine tree in Toms River, flipping mid-climb while reaching for the frightened animal. His lifeline held, and both emerged unharmed, though the video looks terrifying.

He's expanded beyond cats too. Murrow has rescued a baby raccoon whose legs got stuck in branches and even brought down a Macaw parrot that flew too high.

His motivation is simple and powerful. "I have the skill and the ability to climb a tree. Not many people have that," Murrow explains. "I'm not going to put a price tag on someone's pet or even a wild animal."

Here's the sweetest twist: Murrow used to be highly allergic to cats. Five years of weekly rescues changed that, and now he shares his home with Baby, a kitten he saved in Upper Darby who had no family to return to. She sits in his lap every night.

Families across New Jersey can text Murrow at 856-264-8386 with their name, address, and a photo of the tree, and he'll show up with his ropes and treats, ready to reunite them with their beloved pets at no cost.