A CAT lover fears her pet may have died from anti-freeze poisoning.

Lucy Wareham's 18-month old tomcat named Dylan was put down on February 20, three days after apparently eating laced meat outside his home in Mason Street, Horwich.

Dylan, who was taken to Animal Trust Ltd in Lower Bridgeman Street, was docile and lethargic during his final hours, according to Ms Wareham, who had to pay an excess of £200 on his treatment.

This is the second such incident in street over the last few months, after Ms Wareham's neighbour Gillian Davies lost her cat Bella to a suspected poisoning in October.

The RSPCA has now launched an investigation into the two deaths.

Ms Wareham, aged 47, said: "I looked out of my bottom window and saw Dylan eating pieces of meat which had been left on the wall outside my house.

"He seemed fine until late in the evening, when he was very sluggish and just sat on the landing all night. He was very unsteady and lethargic.

"It was very upsetting to see him like that. I can't believe that someone could be that malicious and hateful that they would poison a cat.

"I want to make people aware that this is happening. Dylan was a companion to me and I don't want someone else to lose their pet like this."

Mrs Davies, aged 35, said: "I am in complete shock — I am devastated for Lucy.

"It makes me annoyed and frustrated that it's happened to someone else. Nobody should have to go through this."

Between them, Mrs Davies and Ms Wareham say they have spent more than £500 on sending their cats to the vets.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Andy Kench said: "The RSPCA has been contacted about what happened to Dylan and Bella, and we are very concerned that there is the suggestion this is more than a terrible accident.

"We want to hear from anyone who has any specific information about this. If you think you can help our investigation please call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and ask to leave a message for me.

"Causing unnecessary suffering to a cat in this way is an offence and if found guilty carries a maximum sentence of a £20,000 fine and/or six months in prison."