Frankie Seaman transitions from pro skater to full-time kitten rescuer

Frankie Seaman, a former professional ice skater and wife of former England football goalkeeper David Seaman, has transitioned from the spotlight of competitive skating to a dedicated life as a kitten rescuer, fostering kittens through the UK charity Cats Protection while advocating against unethical pet trade practices. Her journey, marked by a deep commitment to animal welfare, began long before her career on the ice, blending her physical discipline with a passion for nurturing vulnerable creatures.

Seaman, 53, spent a decade as a competitor on the TV show *Dancing on Ice*, but her love for cats predates her skating career. “I’ve been fostering cats for way longer than I’ve been ice skating,” she says, describing her role as a temporary caregiver for pregnant cats, known as queens, through the UK charity Cats Protection. Each year, 14,000 cats are fostered by volunteers like Seaman, who provides a sterile environment for kittens to be born before beginning the critical process of socialization. “With kittens, it’s important to start socializing them from about two weeks old,” she explains, ensuring they become accustomed to household sounds and routines to prepare for adoption.

The work is demanding, requiring 24/7 care in the early weeks of a kitten’s life. “I have to feed them and toilet them every hour on the hour,” Seaman says, comparing the intensity to her previous 16-hour days on *Dancing on Ice*. Despite the exhaustion, she finds fulfillment in the process. “Ice skating is physical communication. We do not speak, and cats and kittens are also physical communicators,” she notes, highlighting the transferable skills between her past and present roles. Her home in rural Berkshire now serves as a temporary sanctuary for litters, with kittens typically remaining for nine weeks before being returned to shelters for adoption.

While most kittens eventually find permanent homes, two have become permanent residents after a “foster fail.” Seaman recalls, “I was ready to adopt two new kittens, so that was a good time. That’s probably my proudest achievement—having not kept 150,000 kittens.” The two cats, now older, roam the garden, proof of her long-term dedication. Her efforts extend beyond kittens; the couple has also raised wild ducklings and rescued an otter, embodying a broader philosophy of animal care.

David Seaman, 58, supports his wife’s mission, describing her as a “cat whisperer” who effortlessly connects with animals. The couple, married since 2015, has become ambassadors for Cats Protection, raising awareness about the dangers of online kitten sales. “Kittens younger than eight weeks old are not developed properly. They need their mums,” David warns, citing a 2021 report that found 68% of cats purchased in the UK were bought online, often through platforms like Facebook and Gumtree. The rise in online trafficking has led to increased cases of fraud, with Action Fraud reporting over 1,000 incidents in 2025, leaving buyers with costly veterinary bills or no kittens at all.

Seaman’s advocacy is rooted in personal experience. As a young skater, she once rescued four two-day-old kittens dumped in a skip, a story she recalls with pride. “Only one survived, and was rehomed. I named him Tyson because he was such a fighter.” Her commitment to animals has shaped her family life, with her stepchildren learning responsibility through interactions with the cats. “Having animals is a life lesson,” she says, noting that one of her stepsons adopted a kitten during lockdown.

Despite the emotional toll of parting with fostered kittens, Seaman finds solace in the impact of her work. “I’m a mess when they leave,” she admits, with David adding, “I have to comfort her. I have to remind her about the good job she’s done.” Their efforts reflect a broader shift in how society views animal welfare, blending personal passion with systemic advocacy. As Seaman continues her work, her story underscores the unexpected paths that can emerge from a life dedicated to compassion and resilience.