A helpless female kitten was rescued after it plunged down a 10ft water tank while hunting mice.

The ginger moggie had been on the prowl for rodents but accidentally fell down the large hole near a home in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on June 7.

Residents heard it crying and dismissed the pleas for help thinking it was just a cat in heat. But when the wailing continued even after eight hours, they decided to investigate and found the animal at the bottom of the unused concrete pit.

The locals called an animal rescue team for help.

Upon arrival, the officers lowered a stepladder and climbed down to appease the agitated feline. They then placed it inside a sack before carrying it to safety.

The stray was wet and cold from the ordeal, but otherwise unharmed.

The team believe the kitten had been running after mice, but slipped down the tank during the chase.

A kind local has decided to adopt the seven-month-old kitten, which has been named 'Boonrod'.