Cats are dying from anti-freeze poisoning in ever increasing numbers a Belfast veterinary clinic has revealed.

Vet Laura Wallace has warned: "Over the icy winter months there has been a dramatic rise in the number of cats with anti freeze poisoning being admitted to our Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic on the Upper Knockbreda Road.

"The cat-owning public must be made more aware of this danger so that simple preventative measures can be quickly put in place," she said.

"The toxic ingredient in anti-freeze is Ethylene Glycol, the major component in de-icing fluids for windshields and anti-freeze added to engine radiators.

"Cats are attracted to anti-freeze by its sweet taste, but drinking as little as a teaspoon-full has disastrous consequences.

"The prognosis is very poor as it is extremely rare for a cat to survive once this deadly cocktail is consumed," she warned.

"The animal only stands a chance of survival if seen drinking the anti-freeze and treated within an hour. Otherwise by the time physical signs become apparent it may be too late."

Holly Bullick, a veterinary nurse at Cedar Grove, lists the physical symptoms as including unsteadiness on feet, twitching, lack of co-ordination, excessive drinking, vomiting, depression and collapse.

"It can take as little as a 2% concentration to poison a cat as they are very sensitive to Ethylene Glycol.

"This component of anti freeze seriously damages kidneys and severely affects the central nervous system so that within days the majority of cases result in death.

"These symptoms can be confused with such diseases as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, diabetes and other forms of kidney disease.

"However, a diagnosis can be quickly confirmed by examining the cat's urine under a microscope because Ethylene Glycol produces easily recognised crystals in the urine."

Holly added: "If we follow these simple steps anti-freeze poisoning of our pets can be prevented.

"Clean up any anti-freeze spills immediately and dispose of any anti-freeze-contaminated rags or paper in a sealed container and regularly check vehicles for anti-freeze leaks.

"Also, store anti-freeze in sealed, clearly marked containers, out of the reach of children and pets and never allow pets access to the area when draining radiator fluid from a vehicle," she said.

It is also possible to use products that don't contain ethylene glycol and finally, "try to discourage the drinking of water from puddles, as water run-off may contain anti-freeze from other vehicles and if ingestion of anti-freeze or engine coolant by a pet is suspected, seek veterinary attention immediately," she concluded.

(BMcC/GK)