All the cats are from the Darfield area – and all suffered the same symptoms... of seizures, shaking, vomiting, fast heart rate and rapid breathing before dying en route to vets, or having to be put to sleep.

Dawn Bradley of Doveside Drive lost cat Dotty three weeks ago, while six strays that she fed on a daily basis and treated as her own pets have also died, one of which left two kittens orphaned.

Mrs Bradley said: "Every week we've been going through it again.

"We find one of them in the garden and they either die on the way to the vets, or there's nothing they can do for them and they have to be put to sleep.

"It's just so terrible. They suffer a dreadful death, fitting and being sick. I can't tell you how upsetting it is.

"We got Dotty when my mum died and named him after her. I feel I've lost her all over again. Then there's the two kittens left without a mother."

Two-year-old male white long haired cat Dotty spent 24 hours on a drip at the vet's but sadly had to be put to sleep to end his suffering.

Three more cats have died since – with the last being put to sleep last week. Mrs Bradley has now vowed to take care of the two orphaned kittens.

The RSPCA is keeping an open mind about whether the poisonings are deliberate and have urged people in the area to be careful with household products.

Inspector Sandra Dransfield said: "We are very worried about what's happening here and are doing everything we can to help.

"We don't have any evidence that the cats were poisoned but of course if anyone knows anything different we want to hear from them as soon as possible.

"We're urging people to be extra careful when using any chemical products, especially outdoors, and to make sure none is spilt or discarded in drains or gutters where animals may have access to it.

"Many people are unaware of the danger household chemicals can pose. Certain substances can taste sweet to cats, actually attracting them, and a very small amount can be fatal."

Cat owners have been advised to take their pet to the vet immediately if they believe it has been poisoned as the sooner treatment can be administered the better the chances of survival.