One street in the UK is fighting an epidemic after 12 cats have mysteriously died from what appears to be some type of poisoning.
While the exact type of poison is unknown, vets say it's so severe, there's no treating it. The only option is to euthanize the cats to prevent further suffering.
Chief RSPCA inspector, Samantha Garvey, is looking in to the complaints made about the street.
"It is extremely concerning that so many cats have been reported as dying from poison in the same street in the past few months, and we urge anyone with any information about this to call us, in strictest confidence."
Rianne Sharpe, whose cats both perished due to poisoning, is concerned about other animals in the neighborhood.
"We are all extremely concerned that so many cats appear to be dying in this street and don't know why. So many neighbors have told me about their cats dying - at least 10 I would say. It was awful seeing Terry and Narla as ill as they were - they were clearly in so much pain. We don't know what kind of poison it is that is killing them but I am extremely concerned that it might have been deliberate as it has happened so much. It is just so sad."
Sharpe is one of the people who asked the RSPCA to launch an investigation into the mysterious poisoning.
"We would like to ask everyone in the area to keep an eye on their cats' well-being and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning get them veterinary treatment immediately," says Garvey. "Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after a cat has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen. The signs of poisoning can include one, or several of the following: vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, and difficulty breathing."
Some suspected causes are anti-freeze or leaking car radiators, so owners are being asked to check and make sure all fluids are being stored safely.
Make sure you know the signs of cat poisoning so you can seek help right away!
