This is the heart-stopping moment several residents outstretch a bed sheet to catch a falling cat that was stuck hanging from a ledge as its strength slowly gave way.

The cat rescue was filmed in the area of Deira in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The incident also caught the attention of Dubai ruler and UAE prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who shared the video on Twitter with the message: “Proud and happy to see such acts of kindness in our beautiful city. Whoever identifies these unsung heroes, please help us thank them.”

In the footage, the frightened cat is seen trapped on the ledge of a second-floor apartment balcony as several people begin unfolding bed sheets on the pavement below.

The cat, unable to climb to safety due to the slippery glass pane and small gap to stand on, hangs upside down at one point when it apparently realises what the group is doing.

Without a second thought, as the bed sheet is unfurled, the cat releases itself and plummets to the ground below.

Three residents holding the bedsheet manage to safely catch the cat, and they are seen petting it on the street as the video ends.

According to local media, the group of locals noticed the distressed cat meowing from the small ledge.

They gathered underneath the cat and one quick-thinking local managed to get hold of some bedsheets.

After rescuing the feline, the residents checked it over and gave it some water to help calm it down.

Meanwhile, the local authorities advised citizens to call the emergency services when encountering such a situation.

Twitter user ‘Gunj’ commented: “Such a positive tweet! I think the cat also realised the people were trying to help, the way it slid down the wall! They comforted the poor creature after her fall. Nice to see people who care.”

Netizen ‘Nourishflourish&fly’ said: “This has made my day! What amazing people! Kindness to the most vulnerable is everything.”