New year plea for cat foster carers to support domestic abuse survivors

[IwantToRetire]

Cats Protection has expanded its Lifeline service to several new regions, but says more help is needed so it can operate across the UK.

Cats Protection’s Lifeline service, formerly known as Paws Protect, has expanded into several new regions after primarily operating in the south-east for nearly 20 years.

But the charity wants to extend the operation UK-wide and hopes the dawning of a new year will encourage more potential fostering volunteers to come forward.

Part of an article here https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/new-year-plea-for-cat-foster-carers-to-support-domestic-abuse-survivors/

Or go direct to https://www.cats.org.uk/support-us/our-latest-campaigns/together

Just in case anyone is interested. And likes cats!

I have pets of my own so couldn’t take in any cats, but there’s a donate button.

Thank you.

I would so do that, but alas I am allergic to cats.

I did this for many years and I am pleased to see the service expanding. Worrying about pets is such a barrier to people leaving abusive situations - some people would rather stay and endure the abuse than lose their cat.

You get excellent support and it is so worthwhile. I remember once getting a box of chocolates and a card from a family whose cat I had looked after - it means so much to the families involved. Please consider it if you are able.

Do other charities deal with other animals? I could manage a gentle, sleepy dog and would be ideal for rabbits, small pets, fish, birds and reptiles. Can't do cats though.

I'm shocked that I'd never thought of this need. I assume they or someone do the same thing for older people who are in hospital or moving into care for a bit?

Dog's Trust have the Freedom scheme.

thanks for posting OP.

canine equivalent:

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/ownership/freedom-project

I’d love a cat but we like a holiday in the summer and I’m such a baby I’d miss my cat too much! what do you do with Foster cats when you go away?

I think I didn't realise at first, but when I read interviews with women who hadn't left a violent man, because they didn't want to leave their cat or dog behind, it just totally clicked with men.

Also worth remembering that there has been evidence that abuse of animals / pets is often an indicator of domestic violence, or the likelihood of domestic violence.

The connection between pets and domestic abuse
https://www.dogstrustfreedomproject.org.uk/refer-a-client/pets-and-domestic-abuse-

what do you do with Foster cats when you go away?

Well probably the same as for your own cat.

If able to afford it there may be a local cattery where they will probably have a luxury cage and lots of attention.

Or you may find via local news / online groups someone who does cat sitting ie willing to come over and feed cat and sit with cat. (get recommendations / references!)

Or you may find that which ever organisation you are fostering with, may be able to keep them at their centre for a couple of weeks.

Well worth contacting them to find out.

I think also it wont be clear to begin with how long you will be fostering.

It may only be a few weeks, or it could be months.

what do you do with Foster cats when you go away?

When I fostered, they would always come and pick the cats up when I went away. They would then keep them in a local centre and drop them off for me when I came back.