Government Minister Baroness Hayman has visited Cats Protection’s South London Cat Centre, where she met staff and volunteers delivering the charity’s Lifeline service – a specialist cat fostering programme for people escaping domestic abuse. 

The visit comes following the publication of the government’s strategy on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), which includes acknowledgement of the vital role services such as Lifeline play in helping victim-survivors of domestic abuse.

Cats Protection’s Lifeline service provides free and confidential temporary cat fostering for victim-survivors of domestic abuse, recognising that the inability to take pets into most refuges and emergency accommodation can be a significant barrier to fleeing harm.  

“We were delighted to welcome Baroness Hayman to our centre,” said Amy Hyde from Cats Protection. “Her visit was a powerful recognition of the vital role services like Lifeline play in helping victim-survivors reach safety. Cats are more than pets – they’re family – and for many people experiencing domestic abuse, knowing their cat will be cared for can be the difference between staying and fleeing. We’re delighted that the Government’s new strategy reflects the importance of including animals within safety and response plans, ensuring the most effective support for both people and their animals in its approach to tackling domestic abuse.”  

Cats Protection’s own research shows that 78% of domestic abuse professionals have supported cases where cats were physically harmed by perpetrators as a form of coercive control. In 2024 alone, Lifeline fostered 755 cats, enabling 350 people to escape abuse knowing their beloved pets were safe.  

“It’s been incredibly moving to see the work Cats Protection is doing through its Lifeline service,” said Baroness Hayman. “Speaking with the Lifeline team I’ve seen first hand how this programme is helping people escape domestic abuse without having to leave behind a beloved pet. The Government’s strategy on Violence Against Women and Girls recognises the importance of holistic support, and services like Lifeline are a vital part of that. I’m grateful to Cats Protection and their partners for the compassion and care they offer to both people and animals in crisis.”  

The charity’s service currently operates across the South East, East Anglia, Yorkshire, the Midlands, Wales and Scotland, and works in close partnership with Refuge4Pets, Endeavour, Dogs Trust Freedom – all accredited under the Links Group. 

In order to support more people and their cats experiencing domestic abuse, the charity is urgently seeking more foster carers.  

“Fostering is a rewarding opportunity to help both cats and their families and is also a great opportunity for someone who would benefit from the company of a cat but without the long-term commitment,” said Amy Hyde who manages the scheme. “All costs are covered by us and foster carers remain anonymous but will provide regular updates and photos that we share with the cat’s owner, helping maintain a sense of connection during a difficult time.” 

Those interested in learning more can visit www.cats.org.uk/lifeline.  

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