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Cat rescued after two weeks in derelict house
Felix's owner believes the cat became trapped when the house was boarded up with her inside.
Felix became trapped when exploring the boarded-up property.

A four-year-old cat has been rescued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), after she became trapped in a derelict house which she was exploring.

The feline, Felix, was discovered in the property after her owner heard her cries just three doors down from where she lived.

Felix had been missing for ten days when her owner, Joanna Keir, followed the sounds of her cries to the derelict house. She spotted the cat in the upstairs window of the property, and called the RSPCA to facilitate a rescue.

Ms Keir believes that Felix had been exploring the property, before it was boarded up while she was still inside. It is thought that she survived the ten days by hiding under the floorboards and eating dead pigeons.

RSPCA inspector Steph Baines was able to access the property with the help of the police, and set up a cat trap with food to coax Felix out.

However, Felix discovered a way to take the food and escape from the cat catcher. For a few days, the trap remained empty.

Eventually, with the use of a more sensitive trap, the RSPCA were able to catch Felix and reunite her with her owner.

Ms Baines said: “As the house was derelict, there were lots of hiding places and we believe she was spending most of her time in the back bedroom hiding under the floorboards. After setting a trap and checking it for days we eventually caught her. Apart from being very hungry and dirty, she was otherwise fine and glad to be home.

“As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, happy endings like this really are the best part of the job!”

Ms Keir, Felix’s owner, said: “It’s as though she’s never been away.

“I don’t know what I would have done if it wasn’t for the RSPCA. I honestly don’t think we would have got her back without them.”

Image © RSPCA

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.