Street Cat Named Bob dead – cat made famous by bestselling book that turned heroin addict owner’s life around dies
BOB the cat, who inspired the bestselling book and film that turned his addict owner's life around, has sadly died.
Hodder & Stoughton, which published James Bowen's bestseller A Street Cat Named Bob, confirmed his death at 14.
Bowen, a recovering addict, first met Bob in 2007 when he found him abandoned and injured.
He went on to take care of the cat and they quickly became inseparable, busking and selling 'The Big Issue' on the streets of London.
Bowen's first book, A Street Cat Named Bob, which told his and Bob's story, was published in 2013.
It became a bestseller and the original story was also made into a film released in 2016 - starring Luke Treadaway as Bowen.
Bob appeared in the film as himself and will appear in a sequel, "A Gift from Bob", later this year.
Hodder & Stoughton released a statement reading: "As James and Bob continued to find fans all over the world, Bob led an incredible life meeting well-wishers at book signings, travelling the world and coping with feline fame.
"He was an extraordinary cat who will be greatly missed."
There’s never been a cat like him. And never will again
James Bowen
Bowen said: "Bob saved my life. It’s as simple as that. He gave me so much more than companionship.
"With him at my side, I found a direction and purpose that I’d been missing.
"The success we achieved together through our books and films was miraculous.
"He’s met thousands of people, touched millions of lives. There’s never been a cat like him. And never will again.
"I feel like the light has gone out in my life. I will never forget him."
Paul McNamee, Editor of The Big Issue, said: “First Bob changed James Bowen’s life, then he changed the world. He meant a great deal to The Big Issue and was a huge part of our story, as The Big Issue was to his story.
"Over the years we’ve reported on his successes and each time we put him on the cover our vendors were delighted. They knew it meant fans would flock to purchase. He represented a second chance and hope and never giving up on somebody, things that are hardwired into The Big Issue DNA.
“Our condolences go to James, Bob’s loyal companion. Bob saved his life and he’s spoken of the success the pair enjoyed through their books and films as being miraculous.
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"He said there’s never been a cat like him. We couldn’t agree more.”
A fan wrote on Twitter: "Condolences to James Bowen, Bob’s best friend. Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget."
Another added: "The cat that changed a man's life. RIP Bob the Street Cat."
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