By the time Animal Rahat received a call about a cat stuck in a metal window grate, Gatik had already spent seven terrifying hours struggling to free himself. The team rushed to the scene and found the animal exhausted and distressed—but persistent. He was using what little strength he had left to continue attempting to escape, even though his efforts only worsened the swelling and abrasions on his neck.

A trapped Gatik looks out the window, desperate for help.

Gatik spent seven hours twisting and turning, struggling to free his head from this metal window grate.

Animal Rahat’s rescue team members immediately sedated the frightened cat, then liberally applied mineral oil to his neck and the grate. Slowly and gently, they slipped Gatik’s head back through the bars.

Animal Rahat staff members work to release a sedated Gatik from the window grate.

Once Gatik was free, an Animal Rahat veterinarian thoroughly examined him and determined that the swelling and scratches around his neck were his only injuries. After administering a dose of painkiller, the team transported the cat back to the office. Over the next few days, he received treatment for his wounds, sterilization surgery, and plenty of hearty food and fresh water.

Back at the office, an Animal Rahat veterinarian sterilizes Gatik.

Once Gatik recovered from surgery and his wounds began to heal, he was ready to go back to his village. He embraced his freedom with gusto and took off running as soon as he was released.

Gatik is released near where he was found, grateful to be free and back home.