A Rutland man has spoke of how his seven-year-old Maine Coon cat 'Charley' died after possibly swallowing poison near to his home.

Jonathan Schofield of Greetham said on Thursday night, he let his cats out and took a picture of the pair around 7pm.

By 11pm, Charley returned back to the house distressed, with spasms and convulsions.

Jonathan recalled: "He died in our arms at 11.35pm."

His second cat also returned home unwell and was sick all over the front room, leaving mucus on a settee and chair. But he made a recovery.

Jonathan, who once worked in the Royal Navy, says he suspects the cats may have swallowed some anti-freeze but suspects it may have been an accidental spill.

He later told the police and the RSPCA.

A neighbour, Sarah Simons, also reported the death of two cats in North Brook Close, which included one of her own.

She also reported the matter to the police and the RSPCA.

The RSPCA this afternoon warned cat owners in North Brook Close, Greetham, to be vigilant after four suspected poisonings.

The animal welfare charity said it is not known if the cases in the same street during Thursday and Friday were intentional or accidental.

Inspector Beckie Harlock, who is investigating, told Oakham Nub News: "We received reports that a few cats had become sick and were frothing at the mouth and sadly three out of four of them had died. It must be extremely upsetting for the owners of these cats and our condolences go out to them.

"We do not know for sure if these were accidental incidents or deliberate but in the meantime we would ask for everyone in the area to check where they keep their pesticides and chemicals including antifreeze and make sure it is secure and out of the way of cats. People should check their car radiators for leaks too.

"Signs of poisoning can be seen anything from 30 minutes after a cat has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen. We would like to ask everyone in the area to keep an eye on their cats' well being and if they are showing symptoms of poisoning get them veterinary treatment immediately.

"If anyone has any information about this, or if any other cats become sick, please contact us on 0300 1234 999."

The signs of poisoning can include one, or several, of the following:

Vomiting

Seeming depressed or sleepy

Appearing drunk and uncoordinated

Seizures

Difficulty breathing

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like these and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid