Disappeared in a pipe

Cat injured firefighter during rescue operation

The rescued cat is now being nursed back to health(Bild: Tierparadies Schabenreith)

Ouch! Her love of animals cost a firefighter in Kremsmünster (Upper Austria) dearly: Despite wearing gloves, she was bitten so badly by the animal during the rescue that she had to be taken to hospital. The injured cat had been hiding in a pipe system, but could be rescued.

The operation began when an attentive driver discovered an obviously injured tomcat at the side of the road, explains Tierparadies Schabenreith. When the driver tried to help the animal, the tomcat fell into a two-metre deep sewage shaft with 60-metre long pipes running in different directions.

Difficult operation
The driver immediately alerted the rescue team from Tierparadies Schabenreith, who arrived at the scene 20 minutes later. After a lengthy search, the team was able to locate the animal in the extensive pipe system, but quickly realized that there was no way to safely rescue the cat without additional help.

The frightened cat was transported away in a basket.(Bild: Terparadies Schabenreith)

Rescue operation lasted one and a half hours
The animal rescue team received valuable support from the Krühub volunteer fire department via the fire department emergency call. After an hour and a half of joint effort - with the use of fire hoses, nets and other aids - a firefighter managed to reach the cat and grab him.

Taken to hospital
Despite wearing gloves, she was bitten so badly by the animal during the rescue that she subsequently had to be taken to hospital for medical treatment. However, the emergency worker persevered until the animal rescue team was able to pick up the injured cat and take him for emergency veterinary care.

Seriously injured house cat
The cat, who is neither neutered nor chipped, suffers from severe joint and back injuries, but he will survive. Tierparadies Schabenreith hopes that he will recover soon.