Bob the street cat and his owner James Owen used to be in a corner of the street and sing their hearts out day by day when the Internet discovered and changed their lives forever. Not only did Bob inspired James to become a better person, but he also inspired the popular book and film A Street Cat Named Bob. Their special friendship has moved thousands of people and drew fans from all over the world. However, it’s been a year since he passed away at the age of 14. To commemorate Bob and see how special he is, let’s look back at his journey with his owner James.
(h/t: aubtu, pawsplanet)
Bob and his owner James – the inseparable duo
James used to have a dark, tough past as he was struggling with drug addiction. His battle was not easy as his family and friends abandoned him, so he had no choice but to live on the streets. Digging in trash bins for food and busking on the sidewalk for some money to get by was his daily life.
At his darkest moment, he never would have thought his guardian angel would show up, but he did, and he even has fur and whiskers. The ginger stray cat was found by James in the hallway of his apartment building. As difficult as his conditions were, James couldn’t resist helping this sick, yet intelligent feline.
He named him Bob and decided to nurture Bob back to health. All of James’ savings were spent on Bob’s vet expenses so that he could recover. After that, James tried to send Bob to better care and tried to find him a new home, but Bob kept coming back to him. At that moment, James knew that they’re meant to stay together.
James adores Bob so much that he even starved to make sure his pet was fed and had medicine. Bob also accompanied James’ performances on the street of London, which gathered the attention of passerby. They crowded around the duo, asking for photos, and some even left a couple pounds so James can buy food for him and Bob.
After James and Bob’s Internet fame spread, Mary, a journalist, approached the pair one day and offered to write a book of them, which James accepts. After that, the book “A Street Cat Named Bob” was published and became one of the best-selling novels in England for 52 weeks and sold in 26 countries around the world, it became an international sensation.
A film based on James Bowen’s book – “A Street Cat Named Bob” was directed by Roger Spottiswoode in 2016. Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt, Anthony Head, and Bob the Cat himself star in the film.
The film premiered in London on 3 November 2016 and won the Best Film award in the UK National Film Awards in 2017
Sadly, the feline went to heaven on June 15th, 2020. The book’s publisher, Hodder & Stoughton, was the announcer of the tragic news. He wrote: “As James and Bob continued to find fans all over the world, Bob led an incredible life meeting well-wishers at book signings, traveling the world and coping with feline fame. He was an extraordinary cat who will be greatly missed.”
The post got a heartfelt comment from author James Bowen on the book’s official Facebook page. His fans were stunned and saddened by the news.
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.”
Although Bob crossed the rainbow bridge, his spirit continues to live on through James and thousands of fans around the world.
Rest in peace Bob the street cat, you will be missed!
