A CAT had a lucky escape after getting stuck fast - in her south Cumbria owner's stair lift.

Tabby Maggie May got herself wedged between the stair lift and the rail support at her home in Helsington, Kendal, on Wednesday October 5.

The cat's owner called a local vet and the RSPCA to help free the kitty.

The vet had tried to ease the cat out - who was stuck by her stomach and back legs - and sedated her so she wouldn't get any more stressed.

RSPCA inspector Chris Towler arrived and an engineer was also called to help try to take the stairlift apart and rescue the puss.

Mr Towler said: "The cat had followed her owner down the stairs when she got caught under the lift.

"The engineer loosened the post from the rail but was unable to move the chair off of the cat as the floor bolts were covered by the seat.

"We talked about calling the fire brigade to assist with their cutting equipment but I wanted to avoid damaging the stair lift and leaving Maggie's owner without any means of getting upstairs."

Mr Towler used a jack from his van to push against the rail and adjacent wall. This provided the gap needed so the cat could be slid free.

He said: "Thankfully there was enough of a gap to slide the cat out.

"The vet took Maggie May back to the surgery, and I was extremely pleased to hear that she suffered no injuries and was allowed to return to her very relieved owner."