Stray cat's cuddles credited with saving abandoned baby in Russia

OBNINSK , Russia, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- A Russian stray cat is being hailed as a hero for using her warm snuggles to save the life of a baby abandoned in a cardboard box near Moscow.

Residents of an apartment building in the city of Obninsk said they heard the cat, dubbed Masha by residents who leave her food, meowing for help Jan. 10 near the building's entrance and they followed the sound to find the feline keeping a baby warm in a cardboard box.

The residents said the baby had apparently been abandoned next to the building's entrance in the box with some food and diapers.

Doctors said the baby boy, estimated to be about two months old, appeared healthy and seems to have been well cared for before being abandoned.

"The baby had only been outside for a few hours and thanks to Masha ... he was not damaged by the experience," a hospital spokesman told Central European News.

Paramedics said the cat attempted to get into the ambulance with the baby, but was forced to stay behind. Witnesses said Masha seemed to be waiting at the side of the road to see if the vehicle was going to return with the child.

Police said they are working to identify the infant's parents.

Residents said they are rewarding Masha for her heroic deed by showering her in treats and her favorite foods.