People urged not to go near toxic cat that fell into vat of chemicals

Locals in a Japanese city have been warned to keep their distance from a cat which fell into a vat of toxic chemicals.

Surveillance footage showed the moment the now-missing cat plunged into the vat of chemicals in the Nomura Plating factory in Fukuyama, Japan, before jumping out and running away.

Tiny yellow brown pawprints were spotted on the factory floor after the cat ran off, but residents have been told to keep an eye out for the animal.

The cat may behave strangely, as it is carrying carcinogenic chemicals on its body and in its fur.

The vat contained hexavalent chromium, which causes skin irritation, respiratory problems and even blindness.

A company spokesperson said: ‘The incident woke us up to the need to take measures to prevent small animals like cats from sneaking in, which is something we had never anticipated before.’

The small feline was seen scampering off (Picture: AFP)

Small yellow pawprints were seen leading out of the factory after the cat fell in the vat (Picture: AFP)

The cat’s whereabouts are currently unknown, but the environmental team for Fukuyama City has said the animal may have already died from its injuries.

The Nomura Plating Factory said a part of the sheet which was covering the tank of chemicals was ‘turned over’.

There have been no reported sightings of the cat since it left its yellow pawprints in the factory.

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