UPDATE: Princeton cat perched on power pole rescued by Twitter and B.C. Hydro

PRINCETON – A social network campaign played a role in the rescue of a stubborn cat from a perilous perch this week.

The orange and white cat climbed a 20-metre high B.C. Hydro pole in Princeton on Monday, April 11, and refused to come down.

Bill Blackhall says his cat — who goes by several names including Kitty or Puss — was terrified.

To make matters worse, the cat was on a pole with high voltage transmission lines, meaning only specially trained crews could pluck her from her perch.

As the week progressed, a Twitter campaign swelled, calling on B.C. Hydro to intervene.

Even Okanagan-Coquihalla member of Parliament Dan Albas added his voice, posting a Twitter demand that Hydro either save the cat or explain why it couldn't.

Hydro relented yesterday afternoon, April 14, sending a crew working in the Salmon Arm area, nearly 300 kilometres away, reuniting the cat with a grateful Blackhall last night.

— With files from The Canadian Press


To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.