A DEVASTED cat owner has warned neighbours to remain vigilant after two of her beloved pets ingested anti-freeze and died.

Tracey Campbell has now lost four cats over the past three years after they drank the poison.

She was left heartbroken on Saturday after her two-year-old cat Molly collapsed at home.

Mrs Campbell rushed the suffering animal to the vet, but tragically she did not survive.

Molly's death came just six weeks after Mrs Campbell's ginger moggy Crunchie, who was only six months old, died as a result of ingesting anti-freeze.

"We are really upset," she said.

"My poor son, who is only ten, is devastated every time this happens.

"We love our cats, they are part of our family.

"In both cases they came home and looked almost drunk, hanging over their water bowls.

"Once it is in their system, even a teaspoonful, and by the time you've realised something is wrong, it is too late."

She added: "I am not sure where they have been drinking it, but it is attractive to cats because it tastes sweet.

"It definitely could be deliberate as the same thing happened a couple of years ago.

"I have not managed to save any of my cats which have ingested anti-freeze."

In May 2014 Mrs Campbell, of Tyehurst Crescent, Colchester, rushed her cats Charlie, three, and Lola, four, to the vet after they ingested anti-freeze.

The incidents were reported to Essex Police and the RSPCA and a notice was posted to residents in Chalfont Road and Tyehurst Crescent warning cat owners to keep their their pets inside.

Mrs Campbell is now urging cat owners in St John's to stay alert.

"We have got to the stage now where we don't want to get any more cats, as it just is not safe to have them here," she said.

"I am sure some people think 'well it is just a cat', but they mean a lot more than that to many people.

"What sort of person would do something like this?"

An RSPCA spokesman said: "Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after a cat has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

"The signs of poisoning can include one, or several of the following: vomiting, seeming depressed or sleepy, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

“We would like to ask everyone in the area to keep an eye on their cats’ wellbeing and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning get them veterinary treatment immediately.

“We are urging anyone who has any information about this to please contact the RSPCA’s appeal line in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018."