Street cat Bob sits on James Bowen's shoulder by the Blue Cross mobile clinic which helped them through tough times

Blue Cross sends love to James as Streetcat Bob passes away

Everyone at Blue Cross is sending their love and sympathy to James Bowen, whose cat Streetcat Bob has died, aged at least 14.

We knew the pair well and are grateful to them both for their generous support over many years.

James was a recovering heroin addict trying to put his life back together when, in 2007, he met a stray cat who needed a friend as much as he did. The ginger tomcat – who came to be known as Bob - walked into James’s life and refused to leave.

James was living hand to mouth in sheltered accommodation and the last thing he needed was a pet, but he couldn’t resist helping him. He nursed Bob back to health and sent him on his way, imagining that he’d never see him again.

But Bob had other plans. After several attempts to follow James up the street, on to the bus and, during one hairy moment, across the street, James realised that Bob was here to stay and it was his job to keep him safe. Equally, Bob had decided it was his job to keep James safe too.

The pair became inseparable and, with each other’s help, James and Bob healed the scars of their past and transformed their lives. The incredible story of their friendship and adventures on the streets of London became a number one bestselling book internationally, called A Street Cat Named Bob, and was even turned into a film. But most importantly, James got his life back on track.

Their success was extra special for Blue Cross because we’ve been there for James and Bob over the years. We have a weekly mobile clinic in London which helps pets whose owners can’t afford private fees and James had enlisted our help in the past to microchip Bob and give him general check ups.

When James and Bob became world famous, they didn’t forget the help we’d been able to give them at their toughest time, and the pair generously supported us for many years. The funds they’ve raised have directly helped many more sick and injured pets and their owners, who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford veterinary treatment. We will always be grateful to them.

At the end of last year, James and Bob lent heir support to our A Link in the Chain report, which shone a light on the benefits pets bring to those living in poverty. At the time, James said: “A decade or so ago, Blue Cross helped me when I had nothing in the world but the love of my ginger cat Bob. We'd met when my life was at a low ebb. I'd been struggling to survive. He gave me a purpose and direction but I wouldn't have made it without Blue Cross and their mobile clinics. They helped me keep Bob fit and healthy. Their vets were always on hand to ensure our special partnership survived - and thrived.”

Mark Bossley, Blue Cross Chief Vet who treated Bob, said: “Everyone at Blue Cross is really sad to hear Bob has died and we’re thinking of James at this sad time. We’re proud to have been there for Bob and James when Bob needed veterinary treatment and it was always clear to our team how much of a close bond they had. 

“James and Bob have done a huge amount to support our charity by fundraising for us since James’s recovery, and because of them we’ve been able to help so many more sick and injured pets. We’re really grateful to them and Bob will be truly missed.”

Blue Cross is there for pet owners throughout their pet’s life, including at the very end. We run a free and confidential Pet Bereavement Support Service with a telephone helpline and email support. If you are struggling with the loss of a pet, please get in touch. We are here for you.

— Page last updated 09/03/2021