Street cat named Bob made famous in bestselling book dies at 14

Bob was a ginger cat who became not only a big star but who was credited with turning around the life of his owner.

James Bowen found Bob injured and abandoned in 2007 and a bond between the pair soon developed.

James helped Bob get better, and Bob gave James a reason to keep going everyday, at a time when he was recovering from drug addiction.

The pair became a regular sight busking and selling The Big Issue on the streets of London, proving to be a big hit with locals and tourists.

In 2012, James wrote a book about their incredible bond called “A Street Cat Named Bob” which, along with several sequels, sold more than 8 million copies in 40 different languages.

The book then became a film in 2016, starring Bob himself, and more recently, an animation series for young children was created with a second film “A Gift From Bob” in the making.

James 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.”

You could say that at 14 years old, Bob had led all nine of his lives to the full. On a social media post, James said today he is "hurting so much" but wants to set up a lasting legacy for his beloved companion.

Luke Treadaway, who played James Bowen in the film adaption of A Street Cat Named Bob, said: "Heartbroken to hear Bob has passed on. He was a was such a special spirit and will live on forever through the books and films. That he could have effected so many peoples lives in such profound ways is, like the life he led, truly incredible."

A Go Fund Me page to help support a possible memorial has already raised over ten thousand pounds.