- Has your cat been affected by antifreeze? Email matthew.cox@mailonline.co.uk
The RSPCA has warned cat owners about antifreeze poisonings which have left a number of pets unable to move and needing to be put down.
A spree of poisonings is being investigated in South Wales by the animal charity, but it is not yet known whether the cats are being harmed deliberately or by accident.
According to the RSPCA, most people are unaware of the danger posed to pets by antifreeze – which just a small dose of can cause kidney failure and death.
Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire has been plagued by a recent spate of cat poisonings including Ben McQueen’s three-year-old Luna being brought back to its owner unable to move.
He said it was ‘as if she was drunk’ as Luna struggled to even eat.
The RSPCA has warned cat owners about the dangers of antifreeze as Ben McQueen’s pet Luna (pictured) was one of a number of cats to be poisoned in South Wales recently
When Mr McQueen took the cat for treatment, vets recommended she be put down after blood tests indicated she had been poisoned, with Luna’s condition deteriorating further throughout.
‘We were all just devastated. It has been a massive toll financially and emotionally,’ Mr McQueen said, adding that he hopes this does not happen to others in his area.
However, he revealed that at least two other cats near him have been poisoned recently, with at least one suspected to be antifreeze related.
He added: ‘We have also heard that this is not the first time cats have been poisoned in the area and that it happened a year or so ago.’
RSPCA animal rescue officer Andrew Harris has been investigating the incidents and urged pet owners to learn the signs of poisoning.
He said: ‘If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, take them to a vet immediately.
‘We’d also like to remind people to be mindful “for every kind” and for motorists to be careful and ensure chemicals like antifreeze are stored securely, and leaks from cars are addressed. If you have any hazardous materials in outbuildings please make sure they are locked away.’
The charity has also launched an appeal for information around the South Wales cases.
Cats are especially susceptible to antifreeze poisoning and symptoms can show as soon as 30 minutes after consumption.
Signs to look out for according to the RSPCA are: Vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures or fits and difficulty breathing.
