A case of a curious cat has stumped the Hastings Fire Brigade and Napier SPCA after several attempts have left them no closer to a happy ending.
It has been nine days since two-and-a-half-year-old Eva was chased up a 10-metre phoenix palm by a stray dog and owner Mary Kupa is desperate to have her furry feline back in her arms.
"It has given me a few sleepless night's because I constantly hear her meowing and letting out a frightened sound. She's been up in the rain and the freezing cold and I hope she comes down before the weather gets worse," Ms Kupa said.
"It is hopeless, this has never happened before. I wish someone had an idea of how to get her down."
It is hoped that it will be third time lucky, with the Hastings local planning to install a makeshift slide for the timid cat to come down on its own.