Five cats poisoned in Lepton

Feb 4 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE RSPCA has launched a warning after five cats died in Huddersfield, accidentally poisoned by household chemicals.

Inspectors have received calls from distraught pet owners from three Lepton homes where five cats died from poisoning.

Vets have confirmed all the cats, which died over the last two months, died after swallowing domestic chemicals.

Common household chemicals can taste sweet to cats and attract them, vets say, and a small amount cause death in cats.

The RSPCA has asked owners to be vigilant for symptoms including a lack of co-ordination and disorientation, shaking, vomiting, seizures, excessive thirst, a faster heart rate and rapid breathing.

RSPCA inspector Nicky Foster said: “We have no reason to believe that these cats have been deliberately poisoned.

“However, many people are unaware of the dangers common household chemicals pose.