A cat owner is devastated after two of her beloved pets died on the same day from suspected poisonings.

Victoria Gannon of Northwich says it has been heartbreaking trying to explain what death is to her young children after she was told by vets that their cats Smokey and Ozzy had both ingested a toxic substance.

An RSPCA investigation has been launched into the incident, which happened on Wednesday, June 15 in Northwich.

Victoria said eight-year-old Smokey, a British blue crossbreed, first showed symptoms after being sick at their home in Wessex Drive, Rudheath.

“Usually if Smokey is in the living room and someone walks in, he will move to a quieter room in the house. But on this occasion, I saw the sick in the hallway and found Smokey in the living room - but he did not move. I knew something wasn’t right straight away.

“We got him straight to a vet, who said that it looked like there was something toxic in his system. I was shocked. We left him at the vets so more tests could be carried out. When I got home, I called my other three cats in from outside. Ozzy usually comes running in, but this time he was at the back of the garden meowing in an odd way," she added.

“When I got him inside, he walked ten paces then collapsed - he was staggering around like he was drunk.”

When she took 18-month Bengal cross Ozzy to the vets, she was given the devastating news that both cats had likely been poisoned by a toxic substance.

Both were so unwell they had to be put to sleep on the same day, leaving Victoria and her family heartbroken.

She said: “I have never been in this position before. I have had to sit down with my children, aged five and ten, and talk to them about death. It has been heartbreaking.

“Since they died, one of my other cats - Bella - has been crying, she doesn’t seem the same. Bella is Ozzy’s biological sister and she is really missing him.

“The vet said that it is likely to have been antifreeze that they ingested, although it has not been confirmed. I have put up flyers in the area to warn people as I don’t want anyone else to go through this.”

Meanwhile, the RSPCA are urging anyone with any information to come forward.

Inspector Cara Challinor, who is investigating, said: “We are very concerned that two cats from the same household have died from suspected poisoning on the same day.

"We would like to ask everyone in the area to keep an eye on their cats’ wellbeing and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning get them veterinary treatment immediately.

“Anyone who has information on the incident should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018 .”

Signs of poisoning in cats

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

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