The cat companion of a former Big Issue seller who told his story of adopting a ginger tabby named Bob in his bestselling memoir, A Street Cat Named Bob has died at aged “at least 14”. James Bowen credits his cat companion who he found abandoned and injured in 2007 with saving his life from drug addiction. The book led to successful sequels, music for charity and a film adaptation released in 2016. Links to earlier articles are at base of page.
Bowen and his publisher released a statement
Hodder & Stoughton and James Bowen are saddened to announce the death of Bob the cat on 15 June at the age of at least 14 years.
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. He came and asked me for help, and he needed me more than I needed to abuse my own body. He is what I wake up for every day now. He’s definitely given me the right direction to live my life.
You both knew real love and devotion,and what is more important than that? Sending my sympathy to help heal your heart’s loss. You belonged together from the beginning and he will live on in your heart.
So lovely; was Bob am very James i cried he was adorable so loverble clever am so glad he healed you just think of all the happy times you had with him.My cat is called Sassy and shes 21 i have had cats all my life a proper cat lady remember Bob went and knew you found love with some he approved of best wishesJamesxxGill
Condolences to James.Bowden on the demise of “BOB” his companion cat who transformed his life from a Heroin addict to a best seller book writer.A fairy tale story has come to a end and let us all cat lovers celebrate the life of “Bob,the street cat “. Ahoy .