Family's heartbroken plea to remain vigilant after beloved cat dies suddenly

Hayley Smith said their family was left heartbroken after they lost their family pet after suspected poisoning.

She said whether the act was accidental or deliberate, cat owners need to remain vigilant and look after their furry family members.

She said: “He just suddenly got really sick and we didn’t think much of it at first, we just thought he’d eaten something he didn’t agree with.

“We took him to the vets and he was given an anti-sickness injection but then a couple of days later we took him to get some bloods done.

“We needed to know what was wrong, he hadn’t eaten in days and we were having to give him water via a syringe. They rang us back hours later to tell us he had kidney failure, his function was off the scale.

“They couldn’t tell us exactly what had happened but due to the fast deterioration and the scores from the blood test, it all points to poisoning.”

The Leader previously reported that North Wales Police launched an appeal on social media after cats were being poisoned in the Flint area.

Hayley, who lives in Connah’s Quay said cats were becoming ill in her area near Wepre also and wants residents to be aware of the situation.

She added: “There was another cat on our estate who, around the same time, suffered the same kidney failure but unfortunately that led to a heart attack, their cat was only two.

“It’s heartbreaking and to think this could have been done on purpose is sickening. We saw North Wales Police put a warning out on social media about Flint. A cat is a person’s property, let alone a much-loved pet.

“It’s costly as well, we had a private cremation which cost over £350 and we still haven’t got a cat at the end of it. So, it’s not even just the emotional side, this can have a financial implication as well.”

Hayley said the whole family has been left devastated by the incident.

She told the Leader: “My three-year-old daughter is heart-broken. We had to explain to her that Rufus wasn’t coming back, that he’d gone to heaven and even though she is quite resilient, there’s been a few occasions where she’s been really upset and wanted her cat back.

“We know there’s a possibility this could have been an accident so we are asking people to check their cars are not leaking but with the police appeal plus another cat having the exact same symptoms, it’s got us worried.

“We just don’t want another family to go through what we have been through. A lot of people are saying they’ve been keeping their cats indoors but that’s not fair.

“If your cat is an outdoors cat like Rufus, he was always in and out, then just be vigilant. Don’t be afraid to contact the authorities if you fear something has happened.

“As cat owners, we shouldn’t have to keep our cats indoors. Unfortunately, I know there’s the risk you take letting them go out and explore and be free, but you don’t expect something like this to happen.

“If this is being done on purpose then think about the wider repercussions. He’s not just a cat, he’s been a part of our family for eight years and he is very loved.

“It’s not just us affected. Our dogs loved Rufus too, completely blasting the stereotype out the water but they are pining for him, it’s really sad.”

A spokesman for North Wales Police said: "We had a report on August 1 that the owner of a cat believed her pet had been deliberately poisoned with anti-freeze at the end of July.

"The animal had to be put to sleep."

Anyone with information can contact North Wales Police on 101 quoting reference Y110466.

RSPCA Cymru is urging pet owners to know the signs and how to act should the worst be feared.

An RSPCA spokesperson added: “It’s really concerning to hear claims of suspected cat poisonings in Connah's Quay and Flint - and our thoughts are with anyone impacted.

“As ever, we’d urge anyone wishing to report animal welfare concerns to us to contact the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.

“It's always difficult to know whether a cat poisoning incident is deliberate or a tragic accident - but it is important cat owners know the symptoms, and how to act should the worst be feared.

“Vomiting, a depressed or sleepy demeanour, appearing drunk or uncoordinated, seizures, and breathing difficulties could all be symptoms of a cat being poisoned.

“Anyone fearing their cat may have been poisoned should try and remain calm, move the cat away from the source and contact a vet straight away.”