Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.