Six feral cats were found dead at an apartment complex in Busan over about a week, according to police.

Police said Monday that they are currently investigating the sudden deaths of the stray cats.

A dead cat was first reported Oct. 12, followed by two more the next day. Three more dead cats were reported a few days later, found near a flower bed on the complex grounds.

All the dead cats were found within 50 meters of the flower bed. Though blood was found at the scene, no external injuries were apparent, according to police.

Local feral cat caregivers, known in South Korea as “cat moms and cat dads,” suspect that someone deliberately poisoned the cats.

Police said they will send the bodies to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency to determine the exact cause of death.

By Kim Jee-min (jeeminkim@heraldcorp.com)