FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Cats aren’t usually known for their love of the water, but one furry feline’s determination to dog-paddle probably saved one of its nine lives.

River, as the cat is now known, was rescued Oct. 4 from the Bon Secour River near the County Road 10 bridge by a nearby resident, who at first thought the wild splashing was the work of an alligator. The estimated 8-month-old male was only able to use its front legs because he had received a crushing blow to his rear section.

Nancy Johnson of the Fairhope Cat Coalition was called, and she carried the animal to Dr. Ann Rankin in Barnwell. X-rays performed by the veterinarian revealed River had suffered a shattered pelvis along with a broken femur that was no longer connected at the hock. No one knows exactly how the cat was hurt, but the injuries are said to be consistent with impact by a motor vehicle.

“We believe he might have been hit by a car and then landed in the river,” Johnson said. “His whole back end was kind of dangling.”

Dr. Alan Moore reviewed the X-rays, and he determined that the injuries could be repaired. River was transferred to Bay Animal Clinic for orthopedic surgery, including the insertion of a pin in his leg and a plate for his pelvis.

He has to return six weeks after surgery to have the pin removed. The cat spent the first three weeks after surgery at Rankin Animal Clinic where he was observed, and it was confirmed that he could again use the leg.

River is now recuperating at the home of Amy Boddie, one of Rankin’s staffers, who has been involved in animal rescue for quite some time.

Johnson said, “Dr. Ann did a lot of free work on him, and recommended Dr. Moore. “But there’s a boarding bill, and at least $1,000 or more needed because of the major surgery that had to be done.”

The Fairhope Cat Coalition is asking for financial support to help them pay for the animal’s care. Donations may be sent to the organization at 104 Ashton Court, Fairhope, AL 36532. Be sure to note on your check or money order that the donation is intended for River. All money given is tax-deductible.

Although the cat seemed to be a stray when he was hurt, he was likely someone’s pet at one time. River immediately used a litter box, and was very well behaved, in spite of the trauma.

“He purred the whole time he was injured,” Johnson said. She noted that River has been neutered, and can be adopted as a family cat once he heals.

She pointed out, “He will need an indoor home because he might have a limp, but there was no nerve damage.”

River is just one of the nonprofit organization’s many success stories. They are perhaps best known for trapping feral cats across Baldwin County, and either spaying or neutering them before releasing them back into the wild.

Johnson said the group also encourages everyone to help control the pet population, and it offers a low-cost spay and neuter program. They hope to perform the procedures on at least 1,000 cats countywide before the end of the year.

For more information about the Fairhope Cat Coalition and its mission, call (251) 367-1711.