An animal rescue group has warned people to keep their cats indoors at night over fears a "cat killer" is on the loose in Ruislip .
South Norwood Animal Rescue and Liberty (SNARL) is advising people in the neighbourhood to call in their cats at night and remain vigilant after a beheaded cat was found near Yeading Brook last month (February 28).
Tony Jenkins of SNARL, who collected the body after being informed by residents, told getwestlondon : "It's definitely animal cruelty, there are some signature signs.
"It hasn't been formally analysed in a post mortem yet but it seems very unlikely that a fox or other animal would mean a cat's head would be removed in such a way."
Mr Jenkins' concerns were heightened after he claimed there have been several incidents involving cats receiving knife wounds.
"There are around 50 bodies now which are part of an ongoing case related to this and many have been cut by a human using a knife," he said.
"I would say they're linked," he added.
"This also raises the serious issue that if this is a person carrying it out, they're carrying a knife in public."
'Try to keep cats indoors, especially at night'
A spokesman from SNARL said there are three pieces of advice they are issuing to cat owners who are concerned about their own beloved pets.
The spokesman said: "Try and keep cats indoors, especially at night and call them in.
"For those who can spend more, gardens can be cat proofed or people can invest in more of a patio area near their home.
"But first and foremost is to remain vigilant at all times and to call us and the RSPCA if there are any more incidents."
Walker 'beside herself' after discovering body
A west London resident was near Ruislip Gardens where to her horror, she discovered the severed feline on a path.
She reported the incident to the RSPCA on Tuesday February 28.
Her daughter Stephanie Jost said: "It has left my mother and I in shock and we are terribly sad in the knowing that someone will be missing their feline friend."
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