AN urgent appeal for information has been launched by RSPCA Cymru following fears of up to 20 possible cat poisonings in a north Pembrokeshire village.

The charity is investigating after two cats in Cilgerran were put to sleep at Priory Vets in Cardigan, having been found to have acute kidney failure – which vets believe to be a consequence of anti-freeze poisoning.

A third cat died at the veterinary practice the previous weekend, exhibiting similar symptoms and another was found dead last night

Worryingly, the death of the four cats follows reports of a number of local cats going missing in recent months.

One Cilgerran resident, Katina Andreou, had not seen her two-year-old black and white cat Mr Mistoffelees since 16 June. He was unfortunately found dead last night.

Her research has uncovered numerous local cats in the Cilgerran area who have gone missing and not returned.

She is now so worried she is keeping her other cat Tulah, Mr Mistoffelees’ sister, in the house.

Ms Andreou said: “I was finding that I seemed to always be sharing missing cat posts from the Cilgerran area. We’re a small village and it seemed unusual to see so many posts about cats that had gone missing.

"Sadly, one of our cats - Mr Mistoffelees – went missing on June 16 and was found dead last night (June 29) by one of my neighbours. It’s awful but at least now I know where he is. We're speaking to vets to see if we can find out what happened to him.

“These poisoning incidents, and the missing cats, are all from properties within a 10-minute walking radius.

“There could be an innocent explanation for why the recent poisoning events happened but I’m really eager to work with RSPCA Cymru and other agencies to raise awareness.

“We’re also asking local people to check their garages, sheds or anywhere else a cat could hide or consider ways a poisonous substance could accidentally be consumed by a pet.”

The circumstances behind the recent poisonings, and the missing cats, is unclear and RSPCA Cymru is urging anyone with relevant information to contact the charity’s inspectorate appeal line.

RSPCA Cymru is also urging local cat owners to be vigilant and understand the symptoms of a poisoning incident, and what to do if this happens to their cat.

Holly Brown, RSPCA inspector, said: “It isn’t clear whether these poisonings were deliberate, or a tragic accident, but we are deeply saddened to learn of the cats who have recently died in Cilgerran.

“Anyone with any pertinent information is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, with all calls treated in confidence.

“We'd also remind local cat owners as to the importance of acting with vigilance at this time. If a poisoning is suspected, it's important the owner remains calm, moves the animal away from any suspected source of poison, and contacts a vet straight away.”