If cats really do have nine lives, this cat, dubbed Grandma Moses, must have used up at least six of them last week.

A man, out kayaking on Boston’s Charles river last Thursday (he has chosen to remain anonymous in his great deed), saw something caught on a branch. It was mostly submerged but when he went to investigate, he discovered it was a pet cage…with a full grown cat inside.

He took her straight to the MSPCA-Angell, where she received immediate treatment. Her body temperature was very low, indicating she’s been in the water for quite a while (she is a big cat), and she was treated for bloody paws, probably injured trying to escape.

Luckily Grandma Moses is recovering completely from her ordeal and is awaiting a loving home (yes, there have been offers). And the MSPCA-Angell is launching an investigation into who did this. She was either dumped near the river or in it, and animal abandonment and animal cruelty are punishable offenses, with a fine of up to $250,000, or up to  5 years in prison.

Still we’re happy this story has a happy ending.