A GIRL with speech problems is "devastated" after her pet cat has died due to suspected poisonings.

Three cats belonging to the same family - Meow, Squirt and Charlie - died between April 17 and May 2.

Owner Gem Walker, from Elm Drive, Risca, said: "Meow was my five-year-old daughter’s cat, who has speech problems. My daughter at one time could only say the word 'Meow' - hence the cat's name.

"She is devastated." 

RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information, following reports the three cats' deaths. 

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "Veterinary inspection confirmed that two of the three cat deaths were due to anti-freeze poisoning.

"RSPCA Cymru is urging anyone with any information to contact the charity, with calls to the inspectorate appeal line treated in confidence."

RSPCA inspector Emma Smith said it wasn't clear whether these incidences in the Risca area were "deliberate, or not – but they are clearly a cause for concern".

She said: “We’d urge anyone with information about them to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

"Local cat owners should also be cautious at this time."