June 5 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Iowa spent hours working to free a kitten trapped about 6 feet down in a drainage pipe.

The Paws of Hope Animal Rescue said on social media that it teamed up with Cedar County for Animal Welfare for the difficult rescue in Clarence.

Rescuers initially tried using food and kitten sounds to lure the feline, but it seemed unable -- or unwilling -- to climb out of the pipe.

The team eventually decided they would have to dig, but after making it about two feet down, realized they wouldn't be able to go deep enough.

They called for assistance from a local family with more specialized equipment and were able to reach the kitten.