A PET owner has been left devastated after his cat died from suspected anti-freeze poisoning – sparking fears more deaths could follow.

Marius van der Merwe found four-year-old Chesney dead in Shoebury near to his home in Churchfields, ten days after he went missing.

Downes Vetenary Practice, in Shoebury Road, believes the cat died of anti-freeze poisoning, prompting fears more could follow.

In Shoebury last year, nine cats died from poisoning and this May another three were killed.

Mr van der Merwe said: “I am absolutely devastated. Both my wife and daughter can’t stop crying. We haven’t got the words to describe how we are feeling at this time, we can’t imagine that someone would do this.

“The fact the poor animal was lying there surrounded by vomit when a few days earlier it was perfectly healthy is very sad. He was obviously suffering for quite some time.

“We found him by the last fence to our house, but he must not have had the strength the jump it. We are still in shock.

“We are now in a state of paranoia about out other cat Fonzi. The whole thing has changed our lives.”

Judy Matthews, practice manager of Downes Vetenary Practice’s Leigh branch, said: “It’s the first case of anti-freeze poisoning we have dealt with this year, but as soon as it becomes colder we see more cases.

“It’s possible it was deliberate because it’s a known poison. It would be a horrible thing for someone to do because it’s a horrible death.”

Carol Jones, who is a vet at the surgery in ShoeburyRoad, added: “If you are remotely suspicious that your pet has had access to anti-freeze, call your vet and get your pet seen.

“This is a dangerous toxin, especially in cats, and is often fatal. Action, sooner rather than later, can make a big difference, because once kidney damage begins, chances of recovery worsens.”

She said that alcohol is given to pets to treat anti-freeze poisoning, but warned pet owners not to lace their cat’s food with gin.

She said: “Please don’t give your pet alcohol at home, as this is also potentially toxic in the wrong concentrations and, as these animals are usually being sick, it comes back up again. So, the strange antidote for antifreeze is intravenous alcohol.”