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.