Two women who feed six cats in G. Bessiera Street, Swieqi are deeply concerned that someone in the area is bent on killing the cats - rat poison has been discovered in the water bowls.

The blue liquid poison was discovered two days ago and has already claimed the lives of two cats and a kitten, much to the dismay of the two feeders.

"We discovered the cats dead in the fields where we feed them and the vet confirmed they died of poisoning," one of the feeders said.

The feeder said they had reported the incident to the police and the local council who were looking into the matter.

"We never received any complaints about the cats and we don't feed them in the streets, but in the nearby fields - this cruelty has to stop," the feeder said.