Pet owners are being urged to remain vigilant by residents who believe their cats were poisoned after eating suspicious meat hurled over a garden fence.

Former West Bay councillor Geoff Wimble says his four-year-old moggie was “violently sick” for two days after eating the raw mince a fortnight ago.

The cat, called TC, was seen standing over the meat, which had been dumped in one of his neighbours’ gardens in Sea Street, Herne Bay, shortly before vomiting nearby.

Mr Wimble said: “Normally cats don’t even regurgitate rotten meat.

“But ours was heaving and heaving until he could barely breathe and then drinking loads of water and eating grass.

“It was quite scary seeing him like that. We just hoped he’d be OK, made sure he was still breathing and made sure he had water.”

The 72-year-old former Ukipper says his neighbour’s cat was also seen eating the meat before he too fell ill.

After speaking to a number of other pet owners living nearby, Mr Wimble learned that another cat had exhibited the same symptoms.

“They were violently sick,” he continued.

“Someone’s definitely laying bait about.

“We don’t know why this happened, who did it or what the heck has been put in the meat. It’s a spiteful world.

“These people don’t think about the torture they’re going to put the animal through.

“If this is happening to cats, there’s nothing stopping dogs from picking the stuff up.”

The three cats have since recovered from their illnesses and the meat has been disposed of.

Deliberately poisoning a protected animal like a cat or a dog carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and an unlimited fine.

In the wake of the incidents, the RSPCA’s chief veterinary officer Caroline Allen is warning pet owners to act quickly if they suspect their animal has been poisoned.

“Signs that your pet could have been poisoned vary and can include any of the following - depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea breathing difficulties and bad breath, twitching or seizures,” she said.

“Different substances can affect animals in different ways. Some symptoms can take days to appear.

“Never delay in taking your pet to the vet if you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, by the time they show signs the damage is often done and may be irreversible.”

Ms Allen is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the RSPCA on 03001 234999.

For more information on how to detect poisoning, click here.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay