POLICE are investigating possible poisoning by anti-freeze after a family reported losing five of its cats in suspicious circumstances.

Over the course of the last three years, all five animals belonging to the same Wanborough family have died suddenly and unexpectedly while in previous good health.

The last cat died in January, leaving the family with just one pet.

Despite the results of previous post-mortems being inconclusive, a local vet believes toxic substances have been involved, specifically anti-freeze.

Door-to-door enquiries are being carried out by the neighbourhood policing team in the hope of establishing any cause of death.

The family, though, remain shaken and fearing for the welfare of their last surviving cat.

Similar circumstances arose in Abbey Meads last June, when five cats on the same street died unexpectedly, and the owners suspected poisoning.

Ingesting even the smallest amount of anti-freeze can cause renal failure and death, especially in cats.

Accidental poisonings from spills or leaks, as well as leaking water coolant from cars happen every year, leading to pet death.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Police are appealing for information following a spate of suspicious cat deaths in the Swindon area.

“Since 2012, five cats belonging to a family in Wanborough have died suddenly and unexpectedly, with the most recent death reported last month.

“The local neighbourhood policing team have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries with neighbours and a post mortem has been carried out on one of the pets.

“The results were inconclusive, but were consistent with poisoning by a toxic substance. A local vet believes this could be anti-freeze.”

Community beat manager Rory Draper said: “Although we are still looking into what may have happened to these cats, this has been an incredibly distressing and costly time for the family concerned, who have lost five of their six cats in unknown circumstances.

“All of the cats were perfectly healthy before their deaths and the family are now understandably concerned about the safety of their remaining cat.

“We are currently carrying out enquiries in the local area but we would urge local cat owners to be mindful and please report anything suspicious to us immediately.”

Anyone with information on the incidents should call police on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.