A Siamese cat was sent by first class post in a parcel. The package took eight days to be delivered. Can you believe it? Actually, it is quite believable because we know that cats like boxes. We know that cats can sneak into places unnoticed. We know how difficult it can be to see a cat sometimes even when they are right in front of you.
This is what happened to Cupcake. Cupcake is a Siamese cat and she survived for eight days sealed in a parcel after she was accidentally posted with an order of DVDs from Falmouth in Cornwall, UK. The journey was 260 miles. The recipient of the DVDs was naturally stunned to receive a living cat as well as his DVDs.
As is usual for the domestic cat, Cupcake survived. She was dehydrated, weak and hungry. Domestic cats are very good survivors under the most extreme conditions. There are many stories of cats surviving without water and food for a long time — upwards of a month.
The recipient of the parcel contacted the RSPCA. The RSPCA collected Cupcake and took to her to a local veterinary clinic, Grove Lodge Vets, for a health check. Cupcake’s owner Julie travelled from Falmouth to be reunited with her cat.
Julie had been looking for her cat for a while. She was very upset and had searched high and low for her.
“When I realised she was missing two weeks ago it was the most horrible, scary feeling… We looked everywhere for her. I feel terrible about what happened. I put everything in the box and sealed it straightaway so I don’t know how she managed to get in there. It was a miracle she’s managed to survive that awful ordeal.”
Fortunately Cupcake was micro-chipped and therefore the veterinarian was able to contact Julie.
The RSPCA inspector who dealt with the matter said:
“Poor Cupcake was very lucky to survive. When I arrived she was very weak and fragile and was in a dehydrated and very hungry state. Luckily, she made a quick recovery.”
Neither losing her cat in this manner nor Cupcake’s survival surprise me. The circumstances are highly unusual but knowing cats as I do this sort of thing can happen and I don’t think Julie should be too hard on herself. That said always check the parcel if is big enough to hold a cat before posting it!
Me too. I would die inside 😉
oh wow, Michael. . . I would so freak out!!! I do check all my boxes before getting rid of them as well. . . fortunately, I don’t have to worry about the vehicle doors though as my cats don’t go outside at all. . .♥♥♥
Excellent point Eva. They do sneak into places like cars when the door is open and…voila – he disappears. Cats have their own minds and ways and we have to be aware of this and be observant.
Michael_
While it happens that cats will climb into boxes, I know of two that will jump into an open car door. Imagine a stranger driving off before realizing your cat is gone!
Eva_
notice:Owners take their pets for short trips in the family car, so the dog or cat may not see the difference while looking inside of an unknown ride?