A SPATE of cat poisoning incidents has left one vet dealing with five seriously ill animals in just one week.

Now Caroline Purnell is warning owners to be on the look out for the symptoms of anti-freeze poisoning in their pets.

Of the five cats taken in to My Pets Vets in Twist Lane, Leigh just one has survived and another is still undergoing treatment.

On the My Pets Vets Facebook page a Farnworth pet owner also revealed her two cats had been poisoned by anti-freeze so Ms Purnell fears the problem may be more widespread than only in the Leigh area.

Although reluctant to say the poisoning could be deliberate Ms Purnell said she felt it could be the case as this was not the time of year for anti-freeze to be used.

β€œI would warn all owners to keep anti-freeze away from cats and to ensure any spillages are mopped up.

β€œIt is a very painful death for cats and very distressing to see,” she said.

Cat owners should, she said, ensure their cat get veterinary help immediately to ensure the vet has any chance of saving it.

Symptoms to look out for include a cat that appears drunk, disorientated, wobbly or collapsed.