Cambridge cat killer on the loose?

The deliberate poisoning of at least one Cambridge cat, but possibly up to 12, has enraged and sickened those working with animals and has sparked fears that a serial cat killer could be on the loose.

It's not the first time Cambridge felines have been targeted. Two cats were beaten to death in Queen St last year. The culprit was never caught.

Twelve cats in Elizabeth St, a few hundred metres away, have died in suspicious circumstances over recent weeks – with one confirmed poisoned with anti-freeze.

Waikato SPCA chief executive Liz Hunter was "enraged" at the possibility that someone was purposely killing cats with anti-freeze.

"It is a dreadful way to die," she said.

The SPCA have launched an investigation into at least 10 of the deaths.

Cambridge police were also aware of the deaths, but had not yet started a formal investigation.

Cat owner Kelly Wilcock was disgusted anyone could be so cruel to kill her pet with anti-freeze.

Her six-year-old cat Zippy was put down last week after ingesting the poison.

"It was horrible to watch my cat in pain for two weeks," she said.

Zippy, who was always a healthy cat, died of kidney failure caused by the anti-freeze. He was depressed, lethargic and drinking excessive amounts of water leading up to his death.

He was unable to walk when taken to a vet nine days ago.

Ms Wilcock held grave concerns for the safety of her other cat, a balinese.

She had distributed fliers in the Elizabeth St area and was determined to stop what she called animal cruelty.

"I would love to have this person caught and prosecuted."

She knew of 12 cats that had died in the street in recent weeks and had suspicions about who was poisoning them.

"Honestly I don't know how this person can sleep at night. Whoever is doing this to our cats is surely not aware of the pain and suffering they are causing the cats and their owners."

Cambridge Pet Vet veterinarian Bridget Dallinger confirmed anti-freeze poisoning. Zippy was treated for several days but the kidney damage was too severe and he was euthanised.

"It's just very sad and distressing to see a cat going through what they go through before they die (of anti-freeze poisoning)," she said. "They go through a lot of pain and it's certainly not a nice way to die. It's quite sickening."

However it was treatable if caught very early. Signs to look out for included vomiting, animals off their food, diarrhoea and excessive drinking.

Elizabeth St resident and owner of three cats, Allan Marriot, had not heard of the deaths until he received the flier.

"I'll be keeping a close eye on my cats from now on. But they usually don't go that far."

* Anyone with information can phone Waikato SPCA on 07 847 4868.

- © Fairfax NZ News