A worker in Fukuyama found a trail of footprints leading to a container of hexavalent chromium, a carcinogenic chemical that can lead to skin rashes and inflammation if touched or inhaled.

Japanese authorities have warned citizens of a cat believed to have jumped into a vat containing toxic chemicals before escaping.

Officials in the southern city of Fukuyama JapanCNN said police asked people to stay away from the animal, which was last seen in security footage leaving a paint factory on Sunday.

A worker on Monday found a trail of footprints, which led to a 10-foot (3-meter) container of hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing chemical that can lead to skin rashes and inflammation if touched or inhaled, officials said.

CNN, citing a Fukuyama City Council official, said it was not clear whether the cat was still alive.

A sheet of paper covering the chemical container was found partially torn off by employees, according to Akihiro Kobayashi, manager of Nomura's coatings plant in Fukuyama.

He told CNN that workers, who normally wear protective gear, have since been searching for the cat, but no health problems have been reported among employees.

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The environmental team in Fukuyama City reportedly warned the public not to touch an “unnatural-looking cat.”

News agencies said Nomura Paint Company alerted neighbors to its factory, as well as city authorities and police.

A company representative added: “The incident has awakened us to the need to take measures to prevent the infiltration of small animals such as cats, which is something we did not expect before.”