A WORCESTER woman is urging people to be on their guard after her cat was killed in a suspected anti-freeze poisoning.

Rebecca Swinbourne and husband Julian came home from work to find one of her three-year-old cats staggering around and falling over as if it were drunk.

Mrs Swinbourne, aged 26, rushed the cat, named Cairo, to Ambleside Vets in Warndon, Worcester, where blood tests revealed very high toxicity levels.

Cairo’s kidneys started to shut down and following other complications he died.

Mrs Swinbourne, of Belmont Street, off Rainbow Hill, was told by the vets the symptoms were consistent with other cases of anti-freeze poisoning.

We previously reported how about 20 cats have been poisoned in Malvern. The RSPCA and West Mercia Police are investigating.

Mrs Swinbourne, who works as nurse in Gloucester, said: “Our cats are like family to us, perhaps when animals get older you are more prepared for them to become ill, but it seems so unfair in such a young, healthy cat.

“I am not assuming this has been deliberate, as I can imagine that someone may have over filled their radiator, and have been told that cats are attracted to the sweet smell and taste.

“But I am also aware of the ongoing investigation in Malvern, where I have heard people may have been deliberately spraying cats with antifreeze so that they lick it off themselves.”

Mrs Swinbourne said companies in America have started putting different chemicals in anti-freeze to make it less attractive to cats and other animals.

“I think companies in this country should start doing the same,” she said.

“A drop of anti-freeze the size of your fingernail can kill a cat so if someone spills any on the floor it can be lethal.

“Cats will lick anything on the floor so I want to urge everyone to be extra careful when using it and keep there eyes open for any suspicious behaviour.”

An RSPCA spokesman said there was no pattern or other reports of animals being poisoned in Worcester but urgedpeople to check sheds and garages and ensure anti-freeze and other toxic substances are safely stored.

To report any suspicious behaviour call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.