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Siamese cat survives eight-day voyage… in the post
Unknowingly, the owners sealed the box (plus cat) and sent it on its cross country voyage.

Cupcake's plight highlights importance of microchipping

An eight-year-old Siamese cat, Cupcake, has managed to survive an eight-day stint in the post, inside a box filled with old DVD’s and CD’s.

Cupcake’s owners had been preparing boxes to post from Falmouth to a company in Goring-by-Sea, when the unsuspecting passenger jumped in and curled up.

Unknowingly, the owners sealed the box (plus cat) and sent it on its cross country voyage. It was only when the parcel was received at the other end that the cat was discovered and the RSPCA was called.

RSPCA inspector Julie Parsons commented: "Poor Cupcake was very lucky to survive. When I arrived she was very weak and fragile. She had been trapped in the box for around eight days and was in a dehydrated and very hungry state.

“Luckily, she made a quick recovery and had been microchipped so I was able to scan her and track her owners down.”

Cupcake’s plight highlights the importance of ensuring pets are microchipped, as without a microchip, Cupcake would most likely never have been reunited with her owners.

From the 6 April 2016, it will be compulsory for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped. Speak to your local veterinary practice for more information.

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."