Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity.
Cats Protection has been a lifelong champion for the UK’s cats – and for nearly a century, our people have been at the heart of everything we do. As we approach our 100th anniversary, we’re embracing an ambitious 10‑year strategy that strengthens our impact, grows our voice, and builds an organisation ready for the future.
Every year, with the help of more than 185 volunteer teams, 30 centres, 70 shops and thousands of dedicated volunteers and employees, we help around 130,000 cats get the care and compassion they deserve. But our work goes far beyond rescue and rehoming. Through our advocacy and research, we’re shaping policy, influencing national conversations, and securing stronger legal protections for cats across the UK. Our education and outreach programmes empower communities. Our teams support owners to keep their pets healthy, safe and loved. And our volunteers – the lifeblood of Cats Protection – embody kindness in action every single day.
As we modernise, invest and evolve, we’re committed to becoming an exemplary voluntary organisation – one that listens, learns and grows alongside the people who bring our mission to life. Our culture is warm, collaborative and purpose‑driven, and we’re proud of the passion and expertise our teams bring to cats and the owners who care for them.
Nearly 100 years in, our mission has never felt more urgent – or more inspiring. Too many cats still lack the care and respect they deserve. With your help, we can change that. If you want to shape the future of the UK’s leading cat welfare charity, influence national impact, and be part of a story built on compassion and dedication, we’d love to welcome you to Cats Protection.
Our vision
A society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.
Our mission
We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.
Our purpose
To help people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Our values
- We put cats first
- We work as one
- We are courageous
- We are knowledgeable
- We are compassionate
To download our values, please click here
Structure and Governance
The Board of Trustees
Cats Protection is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are all volunteers for the charity. At least four Trustees were appointed to the Board from within our body of Cats Protection volunteers and bring that important Cats Protection volunteer insight to their Trustee role. The Trustees have ultimate responsibility for the charity’s vision, values, ethos and strategy as well as for the overall performance. They ensure Cats Protection complies with all legal requirements and has the highest possible standards of governance.
Duties of the Board of Trustees
To hold Cats Protection ‘in trust’ for current and future beneficiaries by:
- having ultimate responsibility for the performance of the organisation and for its fundamental values and ethos
- ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these
- ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
- acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application
- ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard
Committees
The Board currently has six committees being the Audit and Risk Committee, the Finance and Resources Committee, the Investment Committee, the Remuneration Committee, Nominations and Governance Committee, and the Cats and People Committee.
To find out more info about the committees, please click here
Senior Leadership Team
There are six directors on the Senior Leadership Team who report to the CEO. Their role is to advise and assist the CEO and Trustees, contribute to the development and implementation of Cats Protection’s strategy and policies, monitor and report on performance in their respective areas, and lead, direct and manage employees and volunteers within the organisation.
The Senior Leadership Team are also responsible for promoting and upholding the image and reputation of Cats Protection and continuously review systems, structures, resources and procedures to ensure that Cats Protection is an effective organisation.
Senior Management Team
The purpose of the Senior Management Team is to support the Senior Leadership Team in fulfilling its responsibilities in respect of decision making and overall leadership of the charity ensuring operational oversight against the strategy, and the commissioning of activity to address specific challenges and risk. Senior Management Team actively demonstrate our values and behaviours and lead our culture across the organisation. The group will work cross organisationally with delegated authority and be accountable to fulfil its obligations.
Our current Trustees