Border agents are used to finding everything from drugs and weapons to counterfeit goods in international packages. But a recent discovery left them "paws-itively" confused.

A cat is alive and well after Canadian border officials found it wrapped in a package that was mailed from China.

The cat, which has been named "Precious Cargo," was discovered in a box that was being processed through the Vancouver International Mail Center in Richmond.

"The officers noticed that the box was damaged and had a sizable hole in its side," Binder Kooner, Chief of Operations for the Canada Border Services Agency, said in a statement. "When the CBSA officer looked into the box, the officer saw a pair of eyes staring back which blinked."

It's unclear how long she was in the box before she was rescued. Kooner said there was no evidence of urine or feces in the box, which was labeled "fragile."

The box was brought into an area where it could be more thoroughly examined. Officers were eventually able to gently coax Precious into a spare K9 kennel and provided her with bedding and water.

"The cat appeared healthy but scared," Kooner said. "We contacted the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the [British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals], who sent an animal control officer to bring the cat directly to an emergency vet clinic."

Officials issued a notice to vaccinate the cat against rabies in case she indeed had travelled from China.

"No one knows how long the cat spent in transit, so she was kept at the emergency vet clinic for a week to stabilize," said Krista Shaw, manager of the BC SPCA's Richmond community animal center. "She was vaccinated against rabies, given fluids to rehydrate and was tested for foreign parasites and diseases. She also received medication to help stimulate her appetite as she was not eating."

Shaw said Precious was very fearful when she first arrived at the clinic, but she eventually warmed up and calmed down.

"After settling in and getting the treatments she needed she started feeling better and trusting the team of doctors and staff who were caring for her," Shaw said.

After a week, Precious was discharged from the clinic and transferred to a foster home.

"She is settling in well at her foster mom's home," said Shaw. "The foster mom tells me that she is slowly starting to eat and drink more and is getting comfortable around her and her home."

Shaw added that Precious is an absolute cuddle bug.

"She loves belly rubs and a good stretch on her lap," she said.

The foster mom plans on officially adopting Precious once she is fully recovered.