The RSPCA is treating a spate of cat deaths on a Milton Keynes housing estate as suspicious. A number of cats have been found either dead or close to dying near to their homes on the Great Holm estate.
Residents believe they are being poisoned deliberately, possibly with car antifreeze.
The Rooksley-based Companion Care practice has reported a five-fold increase of cases in the past month. So far the death toll stands at 13.
Last week a post mortem examination on one of the latest victims showed traces of a chemical found in antifreeze.
Patrick Liversage a vet at Companion Care told BBC News that the other five cats which were brought in showed signs of acute kidney failure.
"It (the chemical found in antifreeze) is a sweet substance so it does not deter them from drinking it," he added.
RSPCA Inspector Dave Braybrooke said they are trying to find the culprit.
"We will do our best to get to the bottom of this. I am keeping a very close eye on this estate," he said.