POLICE and the RSPCA are urging pet owners to be on the alert after a substance similar to anti-freeze was found in the bodies of two cats who had died in the Narberth area.

They were among at least three cats in the district who were found to have ingested the substance, as confirmed by blood tests.

Police in the town have publicised the incidents with the aim of trying to prevent any further suffering to cats.

Said PC Dee Nix: "We can't establish at this time if the substance has been left out intentionally, deliberately to harm, or just negligently.

"If nothing else, it may make people think about what they do with their liquids outside the house."

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA told the Western Telegraph that no reports of suspected poisonings in the Narberth area had been received, but asked for anyone with information, or who sees an animal in distress, to contact the charity's 24-hour confiden tial helpline 0300 1234 999.

She added: “Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offence. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum penalty for those found guilty of this offence is up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

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