Rescue Mission for Stricken Tomcat Ends in Painful Bite for Udon Thani Rescuer

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A feline rescue operation in Udon Thani ended with a grateful getaway and a painful bite, after a tomcat impaled on a metal fence was saved by local volunteers.

The incident took place in the Ruam Pattana community of Ban Thon village, in Ban Lueam sub-district, Mueang district. The Promdhamm Foundation’s volunteer rescue unit was called to the scene by 60-year-old Mr Theetat, who, along with his daughter Ms Jiraporn, had discovered the injured cat impaled on a 3-metre-high spiked fence behind a neighbour’s home.

The black-and-white male cat, believed to be around 5 to 6 years old, had suffered a wound to his right thigh and had reportedly been hanging in agony for up to eight hours after what was thought to be a rooftop fight with a rival male over a female.

Despite the severe injury, the cat remained conscious, though visibly distressed. Rescuers, armed with gloves and safety equipment, climbed a ladder to reach the stricken feline. Carefully covering the animal’s face to reduce panic, they used cutting tools to remove part of the spike while avoiding further harm. The mission only took just five minutes and was carried out without causing any further injuries to the cat.

However, the ordeal did not end there. Once back on the ground, the hardy tomcat wasted no time in dashing down a nearby alleyway, offering no thanks to his saviours. In fact, during the rescue, Mr Anusit Saenbungkho, 30, a volunteer with the foundation, was bitten on both his index and thumb fingers while attempting to free the animal.

Ms Jiraporn, a trained community health volunteer, provided first aid at the scene before Mr Anusit was transferred to Udon Thani Central Hospital for rabies prevention treatment.

Mr Theetat explained that stray cats frequently roam the area, climbing fences and rooftops. Around 01:00, the night before, he had heard cats fighting, likely over a female and only discovered the injured tomcat in the morning.

Despite the bite, the rescue was hailed as a success, with the cat escaping largely unharmed and volunteers once again proving their dedication, even when it comes to saving a less-than-cooperative patient.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-16