FEARS have been raised a cat poisoner is on the loose in Penarth.

Residents of Cedar Way and surrounding areas have seen a total of seven felines die in a worrying trend.

Ellen Warner has lost two of beloved her pets and said from what she saw, it could not be anything else but poison because they were foaming at the mouth.

Ellen, of Hawthorn Avenue, said she had discovered the terrible news on Monday, September 7.

She commented: "I could just tell by their faces that something wasn't right. I want to warn people that this is going on and for them to keep and eye out.

"I don't understand why anyone would do this. If you suspect anything you should take your pet straight to the vet."

Ellen added that whatever one of her cats had taken might have been wrapped inside some meat as they were usually very wary about eating strange things.

She has lost two wonderful companions in the form of a cross Persian named Tigger and the black and white Tumbelina. They were always together and she will miss them dearly.

Sally Lewis, of Cedar Way, has also lost a much loved family pet and mentioned that blood tests carried out showed that her cat had indeed been poisoned.

She said the incident must have occurred over night on Saturday, September 19 given the condition she found Spotty in the following morning.

She took the sick cat straight to Vets for Pets in Cardiff Bay but despite their best efforts they were unable to save her.

Sally said: "We have two cats and I had to explain to my kids what had happened which was really hard. How could anyone do this sort of thing? It's scary to think this is happening here."

A spokeswoman for Vets for Pets in Cardiff Bay confirmed that seven cats had died in the area due to poisoning. The blood tests they have carried out confirmed this.

She added: "There is no excuse for this behaviour and whoever did this should be ashamed of themselves. The upset and distress to the families involved and the animals is appalling."

The RSPCA have been informed and will be looking into the matter themselves.

RSPCA inspector Gemma Black said: “We are very concerned to hear about these suspected cat poisonings in the Penarth area and our thoughts are with the owners at this sad time.

"We would urge anyone with any information about these incidents or similar incidents in the area, to contact the RSPCA inspector information line on 0300 123 8018. Calls will be treated in confidence.

"Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

"If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned you must take it to a vet immediately. If possible, you should take a sample of what the cat has eaten/drunk, or the container."

Signs to look out for include vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing uncoordinated, seizures or difficulty breathing.

The most important advice for cat owners is to be extra vigilant, check the health of cats regularly, know the signs and seek veterinary help as soon as possible if any are exhibited.

The chances of survival are better the sooner the cat is seen.