N. Andover, Sept. 21, 2007 – Several children out playing after dinner on Heather Drive in Methuen earlier today were curious enough to investigate what appeared to be a cat’s head sticking up out of a storm drain. It seemed the cat was trying to get out of the storm drain, but had gotten its head stuck above the grate, with its body stuck below.

The fire department was called, and upon arrival helped lift the storm drain, cat attached, into a Good Samaritan’s car.  The cat was taken to 24 hour emergency hospital, Essex County Veterinary Referral Hospital on Chickering Road in North Andover. On arrival, Dr. Julie Bailey sedated the cat to prevent further injury and reduce stress, as she and her support staff attempted to manipulate the cat’s head back through the drain openings.  Following several attempts and a significant amount of Vaseline, the cat was freed.

The cat, an orange neutered male, tabby is in relatively good overall condition. He was scanned for a microchip, but none was found. His physical appearance would imply that he is not a stray. Given his condition, he may have been missing for a few days. If you know of anyone who is missing a cat who fits this description, please call Essex County Veterinary Referral Hospital at (978)725-5544.

Essex County Veterinary Referral Hospital would like to thank the firefighters, Good Samaritans and the children involved in helping free this cat from a tight, probably life-threatening situation. We feel very proud to be a part of such a compassionate, caring community. If anyone can help reunite this cat with his owners, we would appreciate your efforts.