Warning after cat 'poisoned'
An animal charity is appealing for information after a cat died of suspected poisoning.
The cat was taken to a vet when it became extremely ill after returning to its home in Weaver Road, Earl Shilton, but later had to be put to sleep.
After tests, it is believed the pet had ingested antifreeze.
The incident happened on Friday, August 17.
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Ten days later, the owner, who did not want to be named, discovered another of her cats – a seven-month-old kitten – had been found dead in the next-door neighbour's garden. The cause of death is not known.
However, it was the fourth cat the owner has lost this year.
RSPCA inspector Alison North warned pet owners to be on their guard. "Sadly, many cats die as a result of ingesting antifreeze," she said.
"Many of us are not aware of how toxic it is so it's important we all take care when using, storing and disposing of it.
"It could save an animal from an incredibly painful death."
Earlier this year, a three-year-old tom belonging to the Earl Shilton owner was found dead.
An eight-year-old cat went missing and did not returned.
An RSPCA spokesman said: "There are concerns cases of antifreeze poisoning could be deliberate.
"Under the Animal Welfare Act, those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering face a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison.
"The chemical ethylene glycol, found in some brands of antifreeze, has potentially lethal consequences.
"Cats seem to enjoy the taste but they can soon suffer agonising deaths.
"The public should take extra care when using antifreeze to avoid spillages or leaks.
"Leftover antifreeze and water coolant should also be disposed of responsibly. The safest way is to take it to a council refuse site."
Symptoms include vomiting, seizures, appearing drunk and sleepy and an increased breathing rate. Cats will also often try to drink more fluids.
Owners should contact a vet immediately if they suspect that their pet may have been in contact with the chemical.
Anyone with information about suspected antifreeze poisonings can contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
www.rspca.org.uk/poisoning
Comments
by burnmw1987
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 12:21PM
“@redcat - "I can't see antifreeze being used legitimately on a car in mid August" - excellent argument there! I will shortly be thinking about servicing both my cars and giving them a coolant flush in readiness for the winter weather which could start tomorrow, or might not begin until next Feb, either way I like to be prepared. And as westleic says, you should have coolant in your car at all times no matter what the weather.
Although I do agree, something could/should be added to it to give it a nasty flavour, hopefully discouraging animals (not just cats) from drinking it.
@FoxyLady - Yes there is a better way (I hear shotguns are humane?), orange peel/citrus juice does actually work.”
by westleic
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 11:43AM
“@redcat,
Unless you plan to drain your car's cooling system before winter you will always top it up with water and antifreeze, whether pre-mixed or mixed at home. It helps heat transfer so should be used in summer anyway. Windscreen washer fluid contains ethylene glycol and is used all year round as it removes grease and reduces the (admittedly small) risk of Legionnaire's.”
by karinfall1955
Tuesday, September 18 2012, 11:03AM
“@Foxylady. The only sure and certain way is to keep the cat in with a litter tray. There are arguments for and against, some house cats exist quite happily; I must confess a bit of cat poo in my garden wouldn't bother me in the least but I suppose if you lived next door to someone with multiple cats all using your garden it would be annoying BUT that is no reason to use poison. Why don't they try a super soaker water pistol? cats aren't daft they would soon go elsewhere. Poisoning is cruel not to mention illegal. I sincerely hope the poisoner is caught.”
by Foxylady
Monday, September 17 2012, 9:41PM
“I had a male cat who was poisoned with antifreeze, people don't like cats fouling in their gardens which is why they leave antifreeze out. My cat suffered a very horrible painful death. Surely there is a safer way to stop cats fouling rather than resorting to this kind of cruelty.”
by karinfall1955
Monday, September 17 2012, 10:29AM
“@redcat. That is a very good point. Surely they could add a bitter agent to the stuff without affecting its performance. Perhaps you could suggest it to rspca HQ as it is sometimes ingested accidentally as cats find it very palatable? I won't even poison mice I think it is an evil thing to do leading to a painful death.”
by redcat
Sunday, September 16 2012, 10:24PM
“I can't see antifreeze being used legitimately on a car in mid August, it certainly seems this was deliberate. Incidentally anti-freeze has also been used to poison people -I don't understand why the RSPCA is not actively campaigning for manufacturers to make the formula of antifreeze safer.”
by karinfall1955
Sunday, September 16 2012, 6:51PM
“It was the fourth cat she lost this year. Sounds as though she has a houseful and a neighbour who is thoroughly brassed off. Imagine the 'poisoner' has a bit of a show garden and resents their presence. Poisoning the poor creatures is not the way forward - they should have a word with the owner if they are fed up with the cats in their garden.”