"Do not touch!"

Warning about chemically contaminated cat in Japan

A chemically contaminated cat is on the loose in Fukuyama. (symbolic image)

(Bild: Landtiere)

The authorities in the Japanese city of Fukuyama have warned residents about a stray, chemically contaminated cat. People should not touch the animal under any circumstances and should call the police immediately if they see it, the city authorities said on Tuesday.

The cat had apparently fallen into a vat containing a dangerous chemical in a factory. According to the factory, the mishap was noticed when a worker arrived on Monday morning and discovered a cat's paw prints leading away from the vat. 

The cat's prints

(Bild: AFP)

Cat apparently unharmed
Images from a surveillance camera show the cat fleeing the factory premises, apparently unharmed. No sightings of the cat had been reported by Tuesday afternoon (local time).

Carcinogenic contents
The three-meter-deep vat contained chromium VI, which is carcinogenic and can cause severe skin irritation. A spokesperson for the factory operator affirmed that the company informed the police, the city council and the public as soon as it noticed the mishap. "The incident alerted us and showed us that we need to take measures to prevent small animals such as cats from sneaking in," he said.