A CAT owner is warning others to be vigilant after her pet died from suspected anti-freeze poisoning.

Rachael Palmer says she is frightened to let her other cat leave her Spondon home after Tara returned unable to walk properly, with her back legs dragging on the ground.

The mum of two was stunned when she went to see a vet at the People's Dispensary for Sick animals charity, in Derby, and Tara had to be put down due to chronic kidney failure.

Ms Palmer, 33, was told Tara had been poisoned, probably with anti-freeze, and she is convinced someone did it deliberately – leaving children Evie and Scarlet, aged six and four, devastated.

It is the third recent case of cat poisoning in the county and comes a month after owners in Long Eaton were warned to keep their pets indoors.

"The poor thing suffered for days before she had to be put down," Ms Palmer, of Nottingham Road, said.

"I think it's shocking that someone could have done something so horrible.

"The children were devastated. I just hope the evil people that did it have something horrible happen in their lives."

She had not intended for Tara – a rescue cat adopted just three weeks earlier – to leave the house when she did, but she "sneaked out", and came back days later looking poorly.

"I think pet owners should be made aware that this kind of thing is happening and should be on their guard," Ms Palmer said.

"It's very upsetting – I don't want to let my other cat, Millie, out of the house now."

A PDSA spokeswoman at the Derby branch confirmed the cause of death was chronic kidney failure, probably caused by anti-freeze. However, it was not certain the cat had been poisoned deliberately.

Signs of poisoning include a loss of appetite, lethargy and sickness.

PDSA senior veterinary surgeon Elaine Pendlebury said: "Dogs and cats are often attracted to the sweet taste of a chemical called ethylene glycol used in anti-freeze, screen wash and de-icers.

"If owners suspect their pet has swallowed anti-freeze, or any product they believe to be harmful, they should contact their veterinary practice immediately. The quicker a pet receives treatment, the better."

The Derby Telegraph reported last month how three cats in the Margaret Avenue area of Long Eaton had died from anti-freeze poisoning this year. Another cat suffered kidney damage.

Pc Nicola Walker, of the Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said contaminated cat food – with a "blue tinge to it" – could have been left out for unsuspecting pets.