A family have spoken out about their heartache and to warn others as two of their cats died 'horribly' by antifreeze poisoning, just weeks apart.

Carol Reece and her son, Jonathan, say they are huge animal lovers and up until December last year, looked after four healthy, happy pets at their home in Parkgate, Chadderton.

However, two of their black cats, Lilo and Leo, have died suddenly and "horrifically" in the past six weeks.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

Leo, who was rescued by the family seven years ago, passed away a few days before Christmas while Lilo, the youngest at three years old, died on Monday (February 5).

Carol explained when Leo was taken to the vets in December that he was suffering from neurological symptoms, but was "too far gone" to be rescued or tested.

Carol added: "We had to put him down straightaway."

In Lilo's case, it seemed like a normal Monday evening.

She had been out in the afternoon and came in around teatime to sit on the dining chair, "as she always does", while Carol cooked tea.

The Oldham Times: Lilo was only three when she died of antifreeze poisoning Lilo was only three when she died of antifreeze poisoning (Image: Carol Reece)

However, when she followed the family into the front room, Carol said: "She was just walking like she was drunk and falling over.

"She was on her side, dragging her legs trying to move.

"I checked her eyes and I just automatically knew, it was exactly the same as Leo.

"Her eyes were all glazed. Her pupils were dilated.

"We rang the vet immediately and took her to Animal Hospital in Manchester and she was tested immediately for poisoning.

"That's when the antifreeze was found."

Carol said Leo had "gone completely blind" and was also "banging into things and couldn't stand up".

The mother added: "It's a horrible, horrible death.

"It doesn't bear thinking about, if someone could do that to them... and then to go through it twice in the space of six weeks.

"It's unreal. We haven't even got over Leo dying and then going down to the same emergency animal hospital again, going through the same thing.

"We were just starting to adjust but it's been weird from Christmas.

"The fact I've had to have two cats put to sleep - they're family.

"It's a hard one to treat and not to bring money into it, but it's around £6,000 just to try."

Signs of poisoning can be seen as soon as 30 minutes after the cat has ingested the chemical, or up to two or three days before signs of kidney failure appear.

Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing, seeming depressed or sleepy and/or appearing drunk or uncoordinated.

Carol and Jonathan are now fearful their surviving nine-year-old cat, Lola, and their dog could face a similar fate but said trying to keep them indoors is "really hard".

The Oldham Times: The dog is also missing his best friendThe dog is also missing his best friend (Image: Carol Reece)

The dog is also missing his feline companions - namely Lilo as the pair used to run around after one another, and now that she has gone, the dog is "looking for her at the top of the stairs".

Carol continued: "He doesn't understand.

"And to go from four to two, in such a short space of time, it's just horrendous."

Carol also said her neighbour's two Bengali kittens similarly died from antifreeze poisoning, just four weeks apart in April and May last year.

The heartbroken family have contacted the RSPCA and are hoping a thorough investigation will be carried out.

Carol added: "We're both heartbroken, but today I'm angry. Very angry, but there's nothing I can do.

"I just started a new job and my son is going on holiday soon, we should both be really happy at the moment.

"We should be living life to the full but you just can't pick yourself up - we just can't think about anything else.

"We just keep asking each other, 'Are you okay?' 

"We're grieving. We're true animal lovers. I wouldn't see anything hurt. Anything.

"I just want people to be aware about it."

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "We are so sorry to hear about the deaths of these cats and extend our sympathies to the owners who have been affected. 

“It’s the time of year when people use antifreeze in their cars and it’s vitally important those who do so ensure there are no leaks and any spills are cleaned up properly.

"We'd urge cat owners in the area to be vigilant and know the signs of suspected poisoning.

"Anyone fearing their pet may have been poisoned should seek veterinary treatment immediately."

Deliberately poisoning a protected animal like a cat or a dog is an offence and carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

Anyone who has first-hand information about these incidents should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk