James Bowen’s cherished feline companion, Bob, was last encountered by him in the kitchen of his Surrey residence. It was a typical Saturday night around 11pm when James provided Bob with his customary dinner. As the night progressed and bedtime approached, James noticed the absence of the ginger tom who habitually nestled on a cozy blue fleecy blanket atop his own duvet. Bob seemed to have vanished without a trace.
James recounts how he ventured outside and made an attempt to summon his cat, but unfortunately, the feline was unresponsive. Distressed by the situation, he spent the entire night in a state of unease, constantly shuttling between the confines of his home and the adjacent street. With the accompaniment of his fiancée, Monika, he persistently called out for his beloved pet, desperately hoping for its return.
Despite their relentless efforts, the following morning yielded no sign of the cat’s presence. This disheartening revelation, while deeply saddening, is regrettably not an uncommon occurrence in residential areas. It is in these tranquil suburbs that independent-minded cats frequently vanish without leaving a single trace, leaving their owners in a state of despair.
No cat has ever been adored as much as Bob, not only by his owner James but also by millions of people around the world who recognize him as A Street Cat Named Bob, the protagonist of a popular book and film. However, Bob was no ordinary feline. He was James’s truest companion, credited with saving him from a life on the harsh streets of London and helping him overcome drug addiction. Thanks to Bob, James found fame and a better life.
During the lockdown, James and Bob spent more time together than ever before. After completing the filming for the sequel to the acclaimed movie adaptation of James’s book, Bob enjoyed his time at home, whether lounging in his outdoor “catio” or perched on James’s shoulders. Their bond was extraordinary, and they understood each other like no one else.
James always knew that one day he would have to say goodbye to Bob. However, he never imagined it would happen so soon or in such a tragic way. The next day, James and Monika searched desperately for Bob, calling out his name as they walked the streets, knocking on doors, and contacting vets and animal shelters to see if Bob, who had a microchip, had been found.
Initially, James remained hopeful that Bob, with his street smarts, would find his way back home safely. But as Monday morning arrived, James’s worry grew, and he became increasingly certain that something terrible had occurred.
Full of sorrow, the 41-year-old is barely able to communicate without breaking down in tears. He has been unable to sleep since Bob disappeared.
Beloved feline star of the movie ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ passes away at the age of 14
“The terrible nausea hit me all of a sudden on Monday around 5pm,” he shares. Less than an hour later, the vet delivered the devastating news.
Struggling to speak through his sobs, James manages to say, “They told me, ‘We have Bob here, but it’s not good news,’ and I pleaded, ‘Please don’t say it. Don’t say it.’ But they said, ‘He was in an accident and didn’t make it.'”
According to information obtained by the Mail, Bob was hit by a car, suffering a fatal hematoma from the blow to his head. A member of the public, not the driver, brought Bob to the vet. Unable to know the exact details of Bob’s undignified death, James can’t help but imagine the worst.
“Did the driver stop? Did they even realize they hit him? How long did Bob lay there before someone found him?” James wonders, his voice trembling with emotion. “I just can’t believe it. I thought we would have more time together. Although he was getting older, I know he had many years ahead of him.”
Grief-stricken, the 41-year-old can barely speak without crying. Since Bob first went missing, he has been struggling to sleep. Above all, he cannot fathom how his faithful companion of over ten years was taken from him in such a cruel manner. “I keep looking around, expecting to see him. But when I realize he’s gone, it feels like I can’t breathe. It’s a nightmare. He was my closest friend.”
It was an utterly inappropriate ending for an animal that brought happiness to countless people. However, for James, who met Bob in 2007, the pain of losing him is indescribable. James replays in his mind the last time they played together on Saturday evening, unknowingly, it would be their final moment shared.
“We played with his spinning feather toy, which he adored. Then I hugged him and told him how proud I was,” James recalls. Bob had every reason to be proud.
This extraordinary feline is believed to have been around one year old when he entered James’s life. At that time, James was at his lowest point, living in supported housing and participating in a methadone program to overcome heroin addiction.
A broken relationship with his parents, who divorced when he was three, and a battle with drug abuse led to a decade of homelessness.
When Bob appeared, injured, in the hallway of James’s one-bedroom flat in Tottenham, North London, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever.
After failing to find Bob’s owner, James used his last £30 for a visit to the vet to treat the cat’s injured leg. He then attempted to release Bob, thinking he would find his way home. However, Bob refused to leave James’s side and started following him everywhere, even hopping on the bus together when James sold The Big Issue or performed as a busker outside Angel Tube station in London.
James explains that realizing he was responsible for another living being compelled him to turn his life around once and for all. “I’m not sure if I would still be here today if I hadn’t met him,” he whispers.
“Bob gave me direction and purpose in life that I had never experienced before. From that moment on, everything changed, and all the positive things that followed can be traced back to him. His impact on my life has been extraordinary. He made me believe in myself.”
James and Bob quickly gained fame as they became a common sight outside Angel Tube station and on the bustling streets of Covent Garden. People passing by were amazed to see the calm and collected cat, often seen wearing his unique knitted scarf, sitting alongside James in one of the busiest parts of London.
In 2010, a literary agent who encountered the dynamic duo every day had an idea. He suggested that James write a book about their extraordinary bond. Two years later, the first of the “Bob” series was published, titled A Street Cat Named Bob. To everyone’s surprise, the book became a massive success, selling over nine million copies in more than 40 languages and topping best-seller lists worldwide.
The popularity of the book led to a film adaptation in 2016, featuring actor Luke Treadaway portraying James. However, the producers underestimated the complexity of finding another cat like Bob. Fortunately, Bob was there to save the day.
“Bob came to the rescue on the film set,” James reveals. “They brought in six talented acting cats who were skilled at following commands. However, once we started filming in the bustling city, they became terrified. They constantly looked around at the people passing by, clearly out of their element. They simply couldn’t match Bob’s coolness.”
Ultimately, Bob showcased his own acting skills as he effortlessly moved from James’s shoulder to actor Luke’s in various scenes. Luke Treadaway took on the starring role in the movie adaptation of A Street Cat Named Bob. This silver screen appearance propelled Bob to even greater fame. In the years that followed, James and Bob embarked on numerous adventures across countries such as Norway, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, and even Japan. The dynamic duo experienced luxurious accommodations, including a remarkable stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, where they occupied a 50th floor corner suite. James fondly remembers how Bob would inspect each hotel room they entered during their tours, diligently searching for his preferred spot and ensuring that his litter tray was conveniently placed in the bathroom. It was clear that Bob thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of traveling.
Bob had to travel in a cat carrier beneath the airplane seat, but I would often sneak him out during the flight. He would enjoy gazing out the window at the world below, filled with curiosity about new cities and the scents of unfamiliar places.
Upon arriving at each destination, a large number of people would eagerly line up to catch a glimpse of the ginger cat. Bob would sit contently purring next to James during book signings and interviews, completely unbothered by the attention he garnered.
“He was always happy as long as he was with me,” James remarks. “We were inseparable, true soulmates and the best of friends.”
Bob even made an appearance as himself in the sequel to the film, titled A Gift From Bob. The movie revolves around James and Bob’s final Christmas spent on the streets—a heartfelt tale that completed filming last fall but is yet to be assigned a release date.
Luke Treadaway reached out to me to offer his condolences after learning about Bob’s passing, and his support meant a great deal to me. When the film is released, it will definitely be a mix of emotions for me. Seeing Bob on screen again will be touching, but also a reminder of his absence. However, I want to use this opportunity to honor and celebrate Bob’s life. This film will also be deeply meaningful for Bob’s millions of fans. On social media, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of grief, with thousands paying tribute to this remarkable feline. One heartfelt message reads, “You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Your memory will never fade away.” Another person shared their own fond memory, saying, “I’m so saddened to hear about Bob’s passing. I attended a book signing years ago, and he was just peacefully napping, showcasing his cuteness. Rest in peace, little angel.” This week, social media has been flooded with expressions of sorrow as people pay their respects to this extraordinary cat.
James is currently in a state of grief and is not ready to contemplate what lies ahead without Bob. Monika, who works as a team leader at Marks & Spencer, is providing comfort to James during this difficult time. The couple had been eagerly preparing for their upcoming wedding, even including Bob as their ring-bearer. However, they have made the decision to postpone the ceremony now that Bob is no longer with them.
Ever since Bob passed away, Monika’s female cat, Pom Pom, has been positioned by one of the windows in their spacious four-bedroom house, eagerly watching and waiting for her feline companion. For James, the sight of Bob’s untouched toys on the floor serves as a constant reminder of the profound heartbreak he is experiencing.
“I can’t comprehend the fact that he won’t be returning,” he says while struggling to hold back his tears and speak. Despite this, he firmly believes that Bob’s spirit is still present with him. Following the cat’s demise, James has experienced the sensation of Bob’s tail brushing against his leg and glimpsed a ginger figure scurrying up the stairs.
During his band, James Bowen with the Wild and Stray’s recording sessions, Bob passed away unexpectedly. Additionally, James has been working on a documentary proposal, intending to immerse himself in the experience of sleeping rough in various cities worldwide to shed light on how different societies address homelessness.
Currently, James’ primary concern is to continue raising funds for charities that aid homeless individuals and support feline welfare, aiming to be a voice for those who are unable to speak up. Once the initial shock of losing his beloved companion subsides, James plans to establish a trust fund in Bob’s honor, dedicated to generating financial assistance for the homeless.
First and foremost, his priority is ensuring that Bob’s memory lives on. James plans to keep Bob’s ashes in a unique wooden urn shaped like a sleeping cat, and he will keep it either in his bedroom or on the landing – places where Bob loved to bask in the sunlight. Additionally, James intends to organize a memorial service to honor Bob’s exceptional life. The devoted fans of Bob have already initiated a petition calling for a statue to be erected, potentially in Covent Garden, where the dynamic duo first rose to fame.
Reflecting on their incredible bond, James remarks, “We were each other’s saviors. Countless dreams became a reality – not just for myself, but for all the individuals whose hearts Bob touched. He truly was unparalleled, a feline above the rest. My only wish is for him to forever reside in the hearts of those who loved him.”
