RSPCA Cymru Appeal For Information After Two Cats Were Poisoned In Shotton, Deeside
CAT owners in Shotton are being urged to be cautious after two cats died from suspected poisoning.
The two cats named Ernie and Lou Lou, who were from the Mill View Road area, belonged to the same owner. They were rushed to the vets, where sadly they were found to be in such a bad state of health they were put to sleep on veterinary advice.
RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies said: “Tragically they both fell ill within the same day. Ernie and Lou Lou were taken to the vets, but following blood tests the vets confirmed that they had been poisoned.
“We are appealing for information to try and find out how these poisonings could have happened. We don’t know if it was a deliberate act or accidental.”
The RSPCA would like to warn cat owners to take their cats to a vet immediately if they seem unwell.
“We would ask for everyone in the incident areas to check where they keep their pesticides and chemicals including antifreeze and make sure it is secure and out of the way of cats,” said inspector Davies.
“People should check their cars for any leaks too. It is possible that people were simply unaware of the different chemicals and substances which can be poisonous to cats.”
Ernie, a tabby, was around four years old and Lou Lou, a black and white cat, was aged 18 months.
Their owner said she was “devastated” to have lost both of her cats.
“Ernie could not walk properly and was shaking all over,” she said. “We took him to the out of hours vets and they confirmed it was poisoning, and he was put to sleep.
“The next day Lou Lou didn’t eat her breakfast but she was fine. When I went home after work she could not walk properly and she was sick so we rushed her to the vets and they confirmed that she had also been poisoned.
“I just think it is cruel for somebody to do this deliberately.”
Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.
Some of the signs of poisoning are:
- Vomiting
- Seeming depressed/sleepy
- Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
The most important advice for cat owners is:
- Be extra vigilant
- Check the health of cats regularly
- Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning and seek veterinary help immediately should any be seen
- The sooner the cat receives veterinary treatment, the better chances of survival
To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).
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