Heartbroken Skipton woman whose cat died from suspected antifreeze poisoning joins Cats Protections' campaign to raise vital awareness

Ann Bolland's 18-month-old cat Missy is thought to have swallowed antifreeze near her home, before becoming severely unwell.

Missy was rushed to the vets as her body began shutting down rapidly. Despite doing their best, nothing could be done to save her, leaving Ms Bolland heartbroken.

She has now teamed up with Cats Protections' campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the product to cats.

Ms Bolland said: "I realised something was wrong when Missy seemed a bit subdued one morning, and within the hour I could see she was going downhill. I got her to the vets quickly but it was too late, her body had begun shutting down. She was disorientated, her organs were failing and the vet said all the signs were pointing to antifreeze poisoning.

“Within a few hours, she had to be put to sleep. Her deterioration in such a short time was absolutely horrific to witness – she had been a healthy, energetic and lively cat, and suddenly she was gone.

"The day before had been a bright, sunny February day with a heavy frost forecast, so I think she had somehow come across it when someone was topping up their car with antifreeze. I had no idea of the risks to cats of antifreeze and I would urge anyone using it to be extremely vigilant that there are no cats around. Losing Missy in such a traumatic way has had a huge effect on me, I’m a huge animal lover and have always owned pets, but I’m not sure I can bring myself to have another.”