A spate of cat poisonings in one village has sparked fears a serial killer may have claimed up to 20 feline lives.
An investigation has been launched in the Pembrokeshire village of Cilgerran after three cats with acute kidney failure had to be put down by vets – a sign they have been poisoned.
The RSPCA said the three deaths follow reports of a number of local cats going missing in recent months.
The charity said the circumstances behind the recent poisonings, and the missing cats, is unclear, but investigators are determined to find answers.
Local resident Katina Andreou discovered that several other local cats, as well as her own, had gone missing and not returned.
"I was finding that I seemed to always be sharing missing cat posts from the Cilgerran area," she said.
"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 on the evening of June 29.
"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 and other agencies to raise awareness.
"We're also asking local people to check their garages or consider ways a poisonous substance could accidentally be consumed by a pet."
RSPCA Inspector Holly Brown said: "It isn't clear whether these poisonings were deliberate or a tragic accident, but we are deeply saddened to learn of the three cats who have recently died in Cilgerran.
"Anyone with any pertinent information is urged to contact us. 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."
