Two families traumatised by the hit-and-run killings of their cats are calling on drivers to stick to speed limits and stop if they hit a pet.

The Epsom Guardian was contacted separately by Jacquilyn Clark, and Stephen Waite and Helen Greener, whose cats were mown down.

Ms Clark, of Wimbourne Close, Epsom, was shocked when her 27-month-old kitten Minti, who was coming home from breakfast, was found dead in Church Road on the morning of August 1.

She said: “If the driver had driven into my car instead of my cat I would have their details.

“They took the most beautiful kitten the world has produced from us.

“She was funny, creative, loving and gave me support.

“I hope they made it to work in time that morning.”

Mr Waite and Ms Greener were similarly upset when their cat Gracie, eight, was killed by a van as she crossed Tadworth Street, in Tadworth, at 7pm on September 10.

The couple said: “It would be easy to condemn the driver of the van who failed to stop despite leaving our cat strewn in the road.

“But, Gracie deserves better than our anger directed at one individual.

“A large number of drivers need to start paying attention to speed limits.

“We have no evidence to suggest the driver concerned in our tragedy was exceeding 30. But if not, why not stop?

“The death of an innocent creature, who we loved so much, can act as a reminder to drivers to please stick to speed limits, and if you hit an animal, it is far braver to stop.”

Dominic Sullivan, of national cat centre Cats Protection, said the drivers may have committed offences under the Criminal Damage Act and Animal Welfare Act.

However, Mr Sullivan said: “Police would need to be able to identify the drivers and would need witness evidence of the driver's deliberate intent, recklessness or lack of due care and attention before they could prosecute.

“Evidence can be difficult to obtain and anyone with information about these two incidents should call police.

“Cat owners can also reduce the risk of road traffic accidents by keeping their cat in at night.

“We know these incidents can be extremely traumatic.

"The owners of Mitzi and Gracie can call the Pet Bereavement Support Service on 0800 096 6606 and many GPs and religious ministers also offer pet bereavement counselling.”