Welcome to vnonline.co.uk

vnonline.co.uk provides the veterinary nursing profession with the latest news and industry developments, as well as events, resources, learning materials and careers.

Our website is dedicated to veterinary nurses and we strive to provide a platform where you can voice and explore your interests.

Not a member yet? Sign up for free!

Register for free with vnonline.co.uk to gain unlimited access to news, resources, jobs and much more!



Click here to become a member






Log in to vnonline

Forgot your password?

Posted: 18th February 2026

Charity appeal to return stowaway cat home
Matilda had minor burns on her paws from the car engine, which have since healed.
Matilda travelled from Barnsley to Wakefield under a car bonnet.

Cats Protection has launched an appeal to return a cat home, after she travelled under a car bonnet from Barnsley to Wakefield.

The black and white cat, which has been named Matilda, made a 15-mile journey from Barnsley College’s Honeywell site to Wakefield. She is believed to have climbed under the car bonnet when the car’s owner was at work.

She was not discovered until the following day, when a dog was acting strangely around the vehicle.

When the lady opened the car bonnet, Matilda was found cowering. Aside from some minor burns on her paws, which have since healed, all Matilda required was some care for her eyes and teeth.

She is now staying at Cats Protection Leeds Cat Centre, where she is getting the care that she needs.

Elizabeth Day, deputy centre manager, said: “Matilda’s suffered minor burns on her paws from the heat of the car engine, but these have healed very quickly. She isn’t in the best condition, with runny eyes that need bathing and needing extensive dental treatment, which we were able to provide to alleviate her discomfort.”

Matilda is a friendly cat and is estimated to be around five years old. She is not microchipped, so the charity is struggling to find her owner.

Cats Protection is urging anyone from the college area who suspects Matilda is their cat to get in touch with them. If she is discovered to be a stray, the charity will care for her until she is ready for a new home.

To contact the centre about this cat email enquiries@gildersome.cats.org.uk or call 0300 012 1505. Proof of ownership will be required.

Image © Cats Protection



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



Latest news | Careers | Events | Resources | Contact us | Terms and conditions | Data Protection and Privacy |Cookie policy | About us | Copyright
© 2026 Vision Media, all rights reserved. vnonline.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites.