Distraught cat owners in Fife are warning others to be on their guard following a spate of antifreeze cat poisonings.
Two cats in the Lundin Links and Lower Largo areas have died and another is critically ill after ingesting antifreeze in recent days.
It is not known if the animals were poisoned deliberately. However, animals will ingest antifreeze willingly as it has a sweet taste they enjoy.
Even small amounts of the chemical can cause fatal kidney failure in many animals.
Fiona Sneddon is grieving the loss of her cat Daisy, which had left her family devastated.
“We were a family of four and now we’re a family of three and pets are part of the family,” she said.
The concerned mum said it was bad enough if it had been accidental but she was worried in case the poisoning had been a deliberate and callous act against defenceless animals.
Planning to say goodbye to Daisy with a Chinese lantern release, Fiona will also ensure all those in her neighbourhood are aware of the dangers.
Meanwhile in Kirkcaldy, Penny Anderson also wants to raise awareness of the serious issue.
She believes the same thing affected five cats in the Valley area in five weeks.
Her beloved cat TC is one of the luckier ones, as he is recuperating after the same thing happened to him.
“It’s been really upsetting he is like my baby,” she said.
Veterinary practice Wilson and Partners is asking cat owners to check their pets for possible symptoms of poisoning.
These include nausea and vomiting, twitching muscles and head tremors.
If cats display any of these symptoms they should be taken to the vet immediately.
Vet Shona MacAffer said it was vital to get pets into care as soon as possible as the chemical is highly toxic. In addition, the public could help by clearing up accidental spills of antifreeze.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Antifreeze ethylene glycol is one of the most common causes of cat poisoning.
“However, without evidence, it is often very difficult to determine whether incidents have been deliberate or accidental.
“It could be that someone has spilled some antifreeze while servicing their car but unfortunately we also have to consider that in some cases the substance may have been left out in order to cause animals harm.
“Antifreeze is usually colourless and odourless and causes tremendous suffering if ingested.
“By the time symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, head shaking and coma occur it is often too late to treat. Those who have antifreeze in their garage or shed should ensure cats do not have access to this.
“Anyone who believes their cat may have swallowed poison should seek veterinary attention without delay.”
Anyone with concerns about antifreeze poisoning can call the Scottish SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.