A Swindon couple left devastated by the death of their young cat have offered a warning to fellow pet owners.

Elaine Allen and husband Richard of Stratton lost their pet cat Tigger until the animal’s unexpected death earlier this month, after he ingested a form of toxin.

Tigger was just two years old when he went missing one night in May, acting strangely after returning and not eating any food given to him.

Now the pair are on a mission to warn other cat owners of the dangers pets can face.

“Tigger was always out and about and he wore a GPS tracker so that we always knew where he was but one day about three weeks ago he didn't come home all night,” said Elaine.

Swindon Advertiser: The cat refused to eat any food after returning to his owners.The cat refused to eat any food after returning to his owners. (Image: Elaine Allen)

“When he did come home he wasn't interested in food which is unusual as he usually loved his food.

“He just suddenly stopped eating and seemed lethargic so we kept him in and we even fed him with cat milk with a syringe to keep him hydrated.”

After the cat returned and had not touched any food, he became seriously ill on Sunday, May 28.

Elaine and Richard took Tigger to the vet to access what was wrong.

“They worked hard to save him but he had severe kidney damage caused by ingesting a toxin and he was in the vet hospital for several days on a drip,” she said.

“The vets decided that he couldn't be saved so my poor husband went to see him and say goodbye.

“It was very emotional for him because he adored that cat and the vet had to comfort him because he broke down.”

Swindon Advertiser: Elaine and Richard have warned other cat owners following Tigger's death.Elaine and Richard have warned other cat owners following Tigger's death. (Image: Elaine Allen)

Following on from Tigger’s death, the couple were keen to warn other owners of cats about the dangers of letting their pet roam free.

“It is always a risk to let cats roam but Tigger was never happier than when he was out and about,” said Elaine.

“He died doing what he loved but people need to be careful that they don't leave anything toxic around where cats might eat it.”

Examples of the most dangerous toxins include anti-freeze products, rat bait and slug pellets.

“We don't know what killed Tigger because the toxin was not identified,” said Elaine.

“Tigger was nearly three years old and he had a short but very happy life.”