Frankie Seaman transitions from professional skating to fostering kittens

Frankie Seaman, 53, has transitioned from a decade-long career as a professional ice skater on the television series Dancing on Ice to a commitment as a volunteer fosterer for cats. Now residing in rural Berkshire, the former athlete channels her experience into the demanding care required for raising newborn kittens. This shift, while seemingly disparate from her time on the ice, relies on what she describes as transferable skills in physical communication, as she navigates the silent, non-verbal needs of the animals under her watch.

Working in partnership with her husband, former England football goalkeeper David Seaman, 58, Frankie specializes in fostering pregnant cats—known as queens—and their litters. The couple, who have served as volunteers for the charity Cats Protection for five years, provide a home environment where kittens can be socialized. According to Frankie, this early exposure to domestic sounds, such as radios and household appliances, is critical to ensuring the animals are prepared for their future families. The fostering process is temporary, lasting nine weeks from birth, during which the kittens are socialized, vaccinated, and neutered before returning to the shelter for adoption. Occasionally, the process results in what the couple calls a foster fail, where they choose to adopt the animals themselves; however, Frankie notes that she has successfully managed to avoid keeping an excessive number of the many kittens she has fostered over the years.

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The daily routine of a fosterer is intense. During the initial period after birth, Frankie reports that she must feed and toilet the kittens every hour, 24-7, leaving no time for napping or relaxation. This dedication is bolstered by her husband, who assists in the rearing process. David, who transitioned into retirement following a 23-year football career, has come to see the domestic work as a natural next chapter.

"I call it 'humanising' them; Frankie calls it socialising them."

Supporting Animal Welfare

Beyond the individual care of kittens, the Seamans have become vocal advocates regarding the treatment of stray animals and the risks associated with online pet sales. The rise of demand for kittens, particularly noted during the pandemic, has been accompanied by a surge in unscrupulous breeding practices and fraudulent online listings. According to Cats Protection reporting, consumers purchasing cats through digital platforms have faced significant challenges, including inflated prices and the acquisition of sick or underage animals that had been separated from their mothers prematurely.

The couple emphasizes that kittens younger than eight weeks are not sufficiently developed, and early separation can lead to health complications. Furthermore, they highlight the risks of purchasing from sources that lack verification, citing that some buyers are defrauded of deposits for kittens that do not exist.

A Life of Rescue

Frankie’s involvement with animal welfare is a lifelong pursuit that preceded her professional skating career, which included touring from the age of 18. Her past efforts have included rescuing abandoned kittens while working in France and, more recently, caring for wild ducklings and an otter. Her commitment to animal care deepened following the loss of her mother and the death of her own cat, Princess. These events prompted the couple to establish a dedicated room in their home to nurse and support animals in need.

While the transition from the competitive world of ice sports to animal rescue involves different pressures, the couple finds the work to be a rewarding extension of their partnership. For those interested in the ongoing progress of the animals in the Seamans' care, Frankie regularly provides updates on her social media channels, documenting the development of feral kittens as they transition from fearful, unhandled newcomers to socialized domestic companions. As the couple continues their work, they emphasize the importance of consistent care, noting that while children eventually become independent, the bond formed with rescued cats remains a constant, rewarding experience.