By Tim Binnall
Authorities in a Japanese city issued a weird warning to residents regarding a cat that had fallen into a tank of toxic chemicals and may now be roaming around the community. According to a local media report, the strange case came to light on Monday morning at a metal plating factory in Fukuyama when a worker noticed a trail of rust-colored feline paw prints at the site. The discovery was particularly troubling as the tracks appeared to be leading away from a sizeable vat of a liquid chemical solution containing the carcinogenic compound hexavalent chromium, which can cause skin and respiratory issues to those who come into contact with it.
A subsequent check of the security system overlooking the plant's parking lot showed the cat in question wandering away from the factory on the previous night. Meanwhile, an examination of the tank found that a sheet covering the vat of chemicals had been disturbed. Taking all of these factors into consideration, authorities concluded that the feisty feline had somehow fallen into the toxic tank and then managed to escape the perilous predicament. While environmental officials speculated that the cat may have ultimately perished as a result of the misadventure, they cautioned residents that the chemical-covered creature could still be somewhere in the community and, should one encounter it, "please do not touch it and contact the city or police."