ANIMAL lover Tracey Heap has been left distraught after her two cats were poisoned with antifreeze within days of each other.
The 46-year-old was devastated when 16-month-old tabby Beauty had to be put to sleep after consuming a lethal dose of the liquid.
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Tracey Heap's daughter Grace Hansbury aged six holding seven month old Charlie_
And her other cat Charlie is also being treated by vets after displaying the same symptoms.
Now Staffordshire Police are investigating whether both cats could have been deliberately targeted.
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Tracey, from Smallthorne, said: "Poor Beauty just kept being sick.
"I thought it was just a bug, but then one day I came home and she was making this horrendous noise and she started fitting violently.
"She had lock jaw and it didn't stop, even when we got her to the vets."
Tracey rushed the cat to the PDSA, in Stoke, where staff took the decision to put Beauty down after finding she had dangerous levels of anti-freeze in her system.
Tracey, who lives in William Ruston Road with her six-year-old daughter Grace, added: "She had a vile death. No animal should ever have to go through what she did.
"Grace saw it all and she was so upset which makes it even more distressing.
"She hasn't stopped crying since it happened. We're all devastated." Shortly after Beauty was put to sleep earlier this month, six-month-old Charlie, who is Beauty's kitten, has also had to be treated by vets for permanent kidney damage after they found that he too had been exposed to the poison.
Tracey added: "He is okay at the moment.
"He hasn't had such extreme symptoms as Beauty had, but he could take a turn for the worse at any time. That's our fear.
"He is on prescription food now and I am petrified of letting him out in case it happens again.
"But cats need to be outdoors and it is unfair on him. I don't know how long I can keep it up.
"I know there's more anti-freeze about at the moment because of the cold weather but we think they have both been deliberately targeted.
"I just want other people to be aware that this is happening."
The RSPCA is now warning pet owners to be vigilant following the poisonings.
A spokesman for the animal charity said: "Most people are unaware of the hidden dangers to pets from antifreeze poisoning. Unfortunately, many animals find the taste of antifreeze very attractive, and ingesting even the smallest amount can lead to kidney failure and death, especially in cats.
"We are deeply concerned and extremely saddened by the recent spates of antifreeze poisonings in cats across the country.
"We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that antifreeze poisoning can cause animals pain, suffering and distress, ultimately resulting in their death."
The spokesman added: "The poisoning of a cat can constitute a criminal offence.
"Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of around ?20,000."
Staffordshire Police confirmed officers were investigating the poisonings.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of the matter and are liaising with the RSPCA."
Have your cats been poisoned? email newsdesk@thesentinel.co .uk
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