A stray cat stuck underneath drain grates for three days was rescued by volunteers in Thailand.

The black-and-white male cat was heard mewling in the sewer by a market vendor in Nakhon Ratchasima province on December 17.

As the gaps were too narrow to pull the stray out, he called a rescue team for help.

Footage shows the team prying up a manhole cover and reaching inside to grab the cat, which was hoisted back onto the road in 10 minutes.

It appeared disheveled and exhausted, as it was believed to have been stuck for several days.

The vendor who called the volunteers said: 'I heard the cat crying near the sidewalk. I would have rescued it myself, but I couldn't lift the drain cover. The cat may have slipped inside while chasing after a rat.'