Charity seeks cat fosterers to help domestic abuse survivors
Lifeline volunteers fostered 330 cats last year.
The charity Cats Protection is asking people to consider volunteering as cat fosterers for its Lifeline service this year.
The service, previously called Paws Protect, helps people fleeing from domestic abuse by providing a safe temporary home for their pet cats. The cats are then reunited with their owners once they have found suitable accommodation.
Lifeline has recently expanded into East Anglia, Yorkshire, and the Midlands after being active in the South East for nearly 20 years. The charity hopes that by finding more volunteers, it will be able to expand the service across the rest of the UK.
In 2023, volunteers for the service fostered 330 cats belonging to 200 people.
Amy Hyde, Cats Protection’s Lifeline manager, said: “Many people want to start a new year by making a resolution to help others, and joining our Lifeline team as a volunteer cat fosterer could be the perfect opportunity.
“Not only do our volunteers help cats, they also provide an opportunity for victim-survivors to get to safety knowing that their beloved pet cat will also be safe.
“We know that in cases of domestic abuse, pets are often targeted as a way to control or coerce a victim-survivor into staying. And as most refuges are unable to accept pets, this can be a significant barrier for people seeking support and safe housing.
“By offering free and confidential cat foster care, Lifeline helps to remove that barrier and gives victim-survivors the time, space and opportunity they need to get to a safe place.”
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 at any time.
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