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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th January 2013
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Cat walks 190 miles home
Safe return for cat after two months on the run

A cat that went missing on holiday made its way 190 miles, back to within a mile of its home in Florida, USA.

Four-year-old Holly escaped her owners, Jacob and Bonnie Richter, during a road trip to Daytona International Speedway, after being scared by fireworks.

The couple immediately alerted rescue agencies, put up flyers and spent days searching for Holly, only to return home without their beloved cat.

It was two months later when Palm Beach resident Barb Mazzola spotted an exhausted looking cat in her garden - a mile away from the Richter's home.

"She was so skinny, so so thin, all bones and weak - and she could hardly walk," said Ms Mazzola. "She was pitiful. She just stood there, ready to collapse."

After rushing to feed the cat she had named Cosette, Ms Mazolla spent the next week trying to coax her into a carrier to take to a vet.

When she was finally successful, Cosette was scanned for a microchip, which happened to match with the Richter's missing cat Holly.

The Ritcher's said they couldn't believe the news; Holly had travelled about 190 miles in 62 days.

Mrs Richter explained that when her husband opened the cage, Holly climbed out and went straight into his arms for a cuddle.

"It was quite a journey for this little girl," he said. "We just can't believe she came home."

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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
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.