Street Cat Bob and James Bowen became the best of friends.

Fans will be able to watch a live stream of the ceremony online.

A statue celebrating the life and legacy of Street Cat Bob is set to be unveiled in London on Thursday (15 July) close to where his story unfurled.

The statue, designed by sculptor Tanya Russell, will overlook the Waterstones bookshop in Islington Green – the location where Bob’s owner, James Bowen, wrote his first book recounting their life together.

Fans of the pair are being invited to watch the unveiling ceremony via a live stream, which will be broadcast on the official Street Cat Bob Facebook page at 11.55 am.

Stray cat Bob helped James rebuild his life after finding himself homeless and recovering from drug addiction. The pair met in 2007 when James found Bob injured and abandoned, and with the help of national charity Blue Cross, he was nursed back to health.

The duo became inseparable and would regularly busk and sell copies of the Big Issue near Islington Green - with Bob sporting his famous knitted scarf. Having brought purpose to James’ life again, Bob inspired his owner to write about their time together – a move that saw their story become a best-selling book in 2014 and later adapted into two films.

Tragically, Bob died in July 2020 after being struck by a car. Commenting on the forthcoming tribute, James Bowen said: “I am so incredibly proud of Bob and grateful for the time we shared. He enriched my life from the moment I met him. He saved me, and he touched the lives of millions, providing optimism to people across the world.

“My extraordinary four-legged friend has inspired books, films and now this wonderful statue. I am so appreciative the legions of supporters who have donated in many different ways to make this possible. 

“It will ensure that his legacy lives on in Islington Green for all to see, a special place which holds so many important memories in our journey together. My hope is that when people visit Bob’s statue, or as they simply pass by, that they will take a moment to remember that everyone deserves a second chance and that no one is alone.”

Blue Cross chief veterinary surgeon, Mark Bossley, added: “We are glad that we were able to be there for James and Bob, making sure Bob was in the best of health. And we are so grateful for their continued support for Blue Cross, the funds and awareness that James and Bob went on to raise for our charity has helped countless other pets. The statue really is a wonderful tribute to a truly remarkable cat.”
 
Big Issue editor, Paul McNamee, said: “Never has there been a cat so loved, not only by James and all of us at The Big Issue but millions of people around the world.

“It is, therefore, only right that Bob should be honoured in this way, close to where the story all began, by James’ Big Issue pitch in Islington. We applaud Bob’s loyal fan club and talented sculptor, Tanya Russell for making it all possible.”

Image (C) Carmela Pellegrino.