A COUPLE fear cats are being targeted after their pet died from an ‘acid’ attack.

Ian and Trish Huxstep from West Howe, Bournemouth, lost their one year-old Laurel last Monday.

A sticky fluid had burned the fur on his head and shoulders and burnt his oesophagus after he tried to lick himself clean.

Trisha, 53, a private ambulance worker, said: “It must have been acid. It was like someone had thrown it on him.”

She added: “What worries me is that he must be the sixth one around Bournemouth that’s been attacked recently.

“It’s been stones, pellets, and a neighbour said another cat was attacked with acid.”

Trish and Ian, 56, also a private ambulance worker, found their injured cat being looked after by the PDSA on Castle Lane West.

She said Laurel was a dark grey cat with a ‘very funny’ personality who had enjoyed playing with his brother Hardy.

The Daily Echo recently reported how two cats narrowly escaped death in separate attacks.

Black cat Ozzy from Rossmore was discovered cowering underneath a van, covered in blood, after losing an eye to a ball bearing.

And kitten Jasper, from Colehill, lost an eye after being shot with two split shot fishing weights.

The RSPCA have appealed for information from anyone who knows about attacks on cats.

You can call the cruelty and information line in confidence on 0300 1234 999 or Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.