This is the heartwarming moment a smart stray cat led an owner to a rooftop to rescue his trapped pet.

The man heard the calico feline frantically meowing at him as he searched for his missing kitty in Sichuan province, China.

Footage shows the loud tri-coloured moggie guiding the keeper upstairs to the rooftop on January 15.

Upon reaching the top floor, the animal continued walking towards the dry branches covering a cage.

The owner then removed the dried twigs and saw his grey tabby cat inside the enclosure. He quickly unlatched the cage and freed his cat, much to his relief.

The man said: 'The calico cat occasionally visits our home, so whenever it does, we give it food. It hangs out with our pet cat, and I was glad it helped me find my cat.'