Antifreeze warning after Ruislip cats die

A PET lover wants to warn people about the dangers of antifreeze after both her cats died within three weeks of each other after eating it.

Carolyn Hall, of Whitebutts Road, South Ruislip, only moved to the area six weeks ago and her first cat, Merlot, died three weeks later.

She said: "He came in and was walking like he had drunk a bottle of vodka; he was stumbling about."

Mrs Hall took him to the vets and he had to be put down the next day.

On Sunday Merlot's brother, Shiraz, had the same symptoms and the vet identified the problem as antifreeze poisoning before putting him to sleep yesterday (Tues) morning.

"My husband and I only moved to this area on October 1 and we didn't let them out for the first couple of weeks.

"They were only four and we have had them since they were kittens. It's very unfortunate especially when we are still trying to settle into our house.

"We had one cat before these two for a couple of years but he just went out one day and never came back.

"We got Merlot and Shiraz because we missed the first cat and we liked pets. It's nice to have them around the house and we do get very attached to them.

"There's no reason to think anyone has done this maliciously, we just hope it was unlucky.

"We have called the RSPCA and there haven't been any reports of this from our area, but they said they will investigate if more come in.

"We want to make people more aware. Antifreeze is very dangerous; about two teaspoons is lethal to a cat. It's more vicious than I first thought and it's worth cleaning up if you spill it.

"We don't know if we're going to get another cat yet. We're still quite sad at the moment.

"Merlot was very affectionate but stupid and Shiraz was mostly quite grumpy, but if he wanted affection he would let you know about it."