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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.