THE death of two cats has prompted a vet and a pet owner to warn people about the dangers of harmful chemicals used on gardens.

Deborah McCallister's black and white cat Holly had to be put down after consuming a toxic substance near her Sittingbourne home. An hour later, a second feline living just minutes away suffered the same fate.

Initially, it was feared the pets had been poisoned on purpose but after carrying out a post-mortem examination on the second animal, vet David Fletcher believes the careless use of weed killer or bug spray could be to blame.

Mr Fletcher, practice principal at Fern Cottage Veterinary Sur gery in Park Road, said: "People have to be aware that the things they put down to kill weeds, slugs or insects are poisons and have the potential to kill animals. I understand why people want to use them but they just need to take a little bit of care."

He said chemicals sprayed onto plants often dry to form crystals and when it rains, the crystals dissolve creating a toxic solution.

The experienced vet advised homeowners to consider cats, and other wildlife, by not leaving chemicals lying around, not using more spray than necessary and spraying plants during the cooler part of the day, when the leaves can absorb the substance rather than in the hot sun which turns it into the potentially lethal crystals. He added: "These were horrible cases. Fortunately we have had no others like it."

At 7.30am last Tuesday, Mrs McCallister's neighbour told her that nine-year-old Holly was being ill in his garden, near Homewood Avenue, Sittingbourne.

The concerned owner rushed the cat to Fern Cottage where tests were carried out and treatment given but Holly was fitting badly and clearly in pain.

Mr Fletcher said the second cat acted "weak and wobbly" the previous evening and by the morning was experiencing the same symptoms as Holly.

Mrs McCallister and her two daughters, aged 13 and 20, are worried for the safety of their other two cats.

She said: "It seemed quite suspicious. I can't believe somebody would do it on purpose but they do.

"If it was pesticides we want to make people aware of the problem."

Police community support officer for Chalkwell ward, Dave Ansbro spoke to Mr Fletcher and other vets in the town.

He said: "If anything can be learnt from this it is for people to be more aware of the potential harm pesticides and herbicides can cause and to follow the manufacturers' instructions to the letter."

An RSPCA spokesman said: "The onus is on people who may have toxic substances, including things like anti-freeze, to keep them secure and prevent accidents from happening.

"Sadly, the RSPCA does deal with numerous instances of poisonings"

He advised taking animals to a vet immediately if vomiting, appearing uncoordinated, having seizures, difficulty breathing, increased thirst or urination.

Has your pet been made ill by household chemicals? E-mail suz.elvey@KRNmedia.co.uk or call 01634 236334.