Deeside MP discovers how cat charity helps domestic abuse victims

Mark Tami joined fellow MPs and members of the House of Lords to discuss how an animal charity is supporting victim-survivors flee domestic abuse.

Cats Protection hosted a parliamentary reception to raise awareness among politicians of its Lifeline service, which provides free and confidential cat fostering to enable owners to escape domestic abuse.

The charity used the event to highlight findings revealing that 78% of domestic abuse professionals surveyed had encountered cases where cats were targeted by abusers – often to control or coerce a partner or family member and to stop them leaving.

Because most refuges are unable to take pets, cat owners face the agonising choice of remaining with their abuser or fleeing without their pet, knowing it may come to harm. Horrifyingly, the survey also revealed that 39% of domestic abuse professionals have encountered cases where a cat or kitten has been killed by a perpetrator of domestic abuse.

“You wouldn’t normally make the connection between Cats Protection and helping domestic abuse victims,” said Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside.
“It’s been enlightening to find out about the great work the charity does to help cat owners in abusive relationships with a partner to escape their situation.”

Cats Protection’s Lifeline Manager, Amy Hyde said “We were pleased to welcome so many politicians to our reception to discuss this incredibly important issue. Sadly, far too many people feel trapped living with an abuser out of fear for the safety of their pet.

“Perpetrators of domestic abuse will use their partner or family member’s love for their cat as a tool to coerce and control them. We’ve worked on cases where a perpetrator has physically abused the cat as well as controlling the owner’s access to finances and vet care, meaning that many cats are left with untreated injuries and health conditions.

“Using a beloved cat as a tool for coercive control can have a huge impact on those experiencing domestic abuse and makes it even more challenging for them to leave if they are worried about what will happen to their cat if left behind.

“This is especially the case for those who have experienced economic abuse and are financially dependent on the perpetrator, as well as those who have been isolated from friends and family and have limited other options to keep their cat safe.”

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network of 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.