THE RSPCA in Wales says it is very concerned at the number of reported cat poisionings it has received over the last few months.

The charity says that in Feburary a cat was poisioned in Cwmcarn.

An examination concluded the substance used was anti-freeze. The caller who rung it in said six other cats in the area had died of the same cause in the past year.

In April a cat in Bassaleg, Newport, was taken to a vet with suspected antifreeze poisioning, which was confirmed by the vet. The cat survived the ordeal.

Other cases have been received in Holyhead and Milford Haven.

RSPCA superintendent for Wales Martyn Hubbard said the deaths are "highly suspicious and disturbing".

He said: "Anti-freeze is very toxic to cats and sadly once ingested they suffer from kidney failure within a few days.

"Cats like its sweet taste and don't have to ingest much for them to become seriously ill. "Effective treatment is only available if caught within the first 24 hours but this is not normally possible, as the cat shows no sign of being unwell within this time."

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence, or a £20,000 fine under the Animal Welfare Act.

Anyone with information poisoned cats can call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.