Lifeline

Cats Protection launched its support of domestic abuse survivors and their cats in 2004, in partnership with Dogs Trust under the Freedom Project. Lifeline (formerly Paws Protect) is Cats Protection's specialist cat fostering service for those fleeing domestic abuse. At Cats Protection, we offer this free and confidential fostering service for cats whose families are fleeing domestic abuse so they can rest assured their cat will be taken care of until they can be safely reunited. Referrals are handled by a specialist and experienced team, who support owners referring to the service, arrange to collect cats, and organise foster placements through a wonderful network of dedicated Lifeline volunteers.

“Our lives are so much better now. I don’t have the words to thank Cats Protection Lifeline for what they have done for us. It’s not just about looking after cats, it’s about saving lives. “

The service has expanded rapidly, In 2023 the first expansions began, with the services launching in Yorkshire, East Anglia and the Midlands. In 2024, the Scotland and Wales services launched. Since 2004, over 2170 cats have been supported to escape domestic abuse, enabling over 1200 victim-survivors to find freedom from abuse.