"Mustachioed Monday". James and Bob - London musicians! Red cat bob, who became famous all over the world cat bob from london

Homeless drug addict James Bowen makes money by playing the guitar, performing on the streets of London. In the evenings, he roams around the city, collecting leftovers in the dumpsters of restaurants and looking for change in telephone booths. He has been trying to quit drugs for a long time, but each time he does not have the strength to overcome his addiction. On another evening, he is walking through the city looking for shelter for the night and is spotted by a homeless friend, Baz, who has climbed into the car because the owner left it open. Baz invites James to spend the night in the car together. At the same time, Baz has drugs with him, which he offers to the hero. At first, the guy refuses, but then he still accepts them.

The next morning, Baz wakes up from the fact that the owner of the car notices them. He tries to wake James up, but he doesn't get up. Baz flees and Bowen is woken up by the owner of the car, but he is still unconscious. James wakes up in the hospital. His handler, Val, is angry with him, because he again broke loose, and besides, he mixed methadone, which is used to fight drug addiction, with heroin, from which he overdosed. Val warns that next time will be his last. In addition, the guy was also diagnosed with hepatitis. Then the guy leaves the hospital and signs the necessary documents again, promising Val that this time he will be treated and will not break. The girl asks to play the guitar for her, which he does, as this is the only way he can repay his kindness.

The guy again goes to the street and collects pennies for his performances on the guitar. Val still believes in him, and therefore she manages to knock out his apartment, but on the condition that he does not break loose. James thanks Val and for the first time in a long time, he lives in a real apartment and takes a bath. In the evening, the hero hears a noise, and it seems to him that someone broke into the apartment, but then he notices a ginger cat that climbed through the window. The cat is clearly hungry, and James offers him milk. Then he wants to let the animal out, but the cat is not going to leave. Then the hero decides that he will leave him for the night, and tomorrow he will go in search of his owners. The next day, he goes around the neighbors with the cat, but no one has lost the cat. Then James again goes to perform in the city, and says goodbye to the cat.

After the performance, James notices his father, who clearly wanted to pass by, as he had long come to terms with the fact that his son was a drug addict. James wants to spend Christmas together, but his father's new wife is clearly against it. The father gives the hero some money and then leaves. When the guy returns home, he again notices a cat at his doorstep. And he is clearly injured. James takes the cat in his arms and sets out again to find his owners. He notices a neighbor and asks if this is her cat. The girl is worried about the animal, and therefore invites them to enter. She examines the wound and says that they need to go to the veterinary clinic, where she sometimes works part-time. The treatment will be free. The girl says that her name is Betty, and also gives the name of the cat - Bob.

James and Bob go to the hospital, but it turns out that he has to defend a long line. Time passes, and the hero realizes that he is late for a meeting with Val, and he promised her that now he will always come on time. He is about to leave when the front desk announces that it is his turn. The cat is examined and the wound is healed, but at the same time, medicines are prescribed, which are by no means free. For them, James has to give all his money that he had, as well as those that his father gave him earlier in the day. At home, James tries to get the cat to drink the medicine, but the cat refuses. The hero tries for a long time, but to no avail. Then he decides to seek help from his neighbor Betty, and the girl easily does this, since she has experience with animals. The girl also reports that Bob needs to be castrated.

The couple then continues to chat. Betty mentions that there are too many drug addicts around, so James decides to hide the truth from her. He reports that he is a musician, and has recently arrived in the city, and he himself traveled a lot. He also tells her the truth that his parents separated when he was still young and his mother took him to Australia. The next morning, the hero goes to meet Val and apologizes for missing the meeting. He tells her the truth about everything that happened to him yesterday, but the girl does not like it, because James is experiencing too strong emotions, and this can interfere with recovery, but still she notices that he began to look better. However, she thinks that he it is worth stopping communication with Betty, because besides, he began to lie to her at the first meeting.

After a couple of weeks, Bob is castrated and put on an Elizabethan collar. The cat doesn't like it at all, so James decides to take it off so as not to torment the cat. When once again the hero goes to the city to perform on the street, that Bob follows him. James decides to carry the cat on his shoulders, which immediately attracts the attention of others. People begin to greet him and ask to be photographed together, which is very handy. When James performs, he collects much more money than usual. The next day, James is approached by his old friend Baz. He asks James for money, and he gives it to him, but on the condition that he spend it on food and not drugs. Then James again goes to perform in the city, where he again attracts the attention of the crowd, and one old woman even gives Bob a scarf.

In the evening he meets Betty at home and they decide to have dinner together. And once again, James even decides to buy her flowers. However, returning home that day, he notices Baz's body, and a syringe lying nearby. He throws a friend to the rescue and calls an ambulance. Betty also comes to the rescue. Medics take Baz away, and James and Betty decide to talk about it. It turns out that her brother was a drug addict and died of an overdose in the bath, in this very apartment. Therefore, she moved here to be closer to him, as she loved him very much. For the sake of Betty, James decides to also quit drugs, as her brother couldn't. He communicates with Val, saying that he wanted to stop using methadone, but she believes that the time has not come yet, and postpones this stage to the post-holiday period. While James and Betty continue to communicate and their relationship is getting stronger. Because of this, James decides to mend his relationship with his father as well, so he decides to pay a surprise visit to his family on Christmas Day. However, his visit only causes a scandal, and he is forced to leave.

During the next performance on the square, a fight starts because of one impudent passerby. This incident gets caught on video, causing Jame to be banned from performing for six months. Frustrated, he goes to the pharmacy to take methadone, but Betty becomes a witness to this. She realizes that James has been lying to her all this time, so she tries to walk away. The Hero stops her and tries to explain everything to her, but she is still very upset. To earn money, James takes a job as a street vendor of magazines. Thanks to Bob, he attracts attention, and sells much more successfully than other sellers, so his business is getting better. However, other sellers are jealous of his success. When the next day, James goes to his point of sale, a woman stops him on the way and buys a magazine from him. The Hero tries to explain to her that this is not his territory and she should buy the magazine from another vendor, but she refuses to listen. After this incident, James is suspended from work for a month.

Betty continues to communicate with James, but is still upset about his condition and lies. Soon the hero runs out of money, now he and Bob are starving. In order to earn at least something, he begins to perform again, despite a ban that could land him in prison if the authorities find out about it. Time passes, and James again returns to work as a magazine salesman. Bob continues to attract attention, and one woman even offers to buy it for her son, but James refuses to sell it. When the turmoil starts around, Bob runs away. James runs after his friend, but cannot find him. Two days go by and Bob still hasn't returned.

At this time, the popularity of James and his cat begins to pay attention in the publishing house. They want to offer James to write a book. Just at this time, Bob returns to James' apartment, to which he is incredibly happy. Immediately after that, he communicates with Val, saying that he is ready to give up methadone, and she agrees that the time has come. Upon learning of this, Betty informs him that she will help him. James goes into severe withdrawal but wakes up healthy and happy the next day. He goes to Val and informs her of his success, which makes her very happy. However, when James returns home, he sees that Betty has moved. She says it's time for her to leave the past behind, but she wants to continue to communicate with him. James also learns that her real name is Elizabeth.

James then goes to a meeting with a literary agent at a publishing house, where he is offered to write a book or even a series of books about him and Bob. After that, James goes to meet his father. She informs him that for the first time in many years she is clean and does not sit on drugs. The father is happy about this, and they reconcile. After that, James takes up the book. It turns out to be a bestseller, and the life of the hero is getting better.

James Bowen is a writer and street musician based in London. His books A Street Cat Named Bob, The World Through the Eyes of Bob the Cat, A Gift from Bob the Cat and others, co-authored with writer Harry Jenkins, have become international bestsellers.

Bowen was born in England and spent his childhood in Australia. He grew up in a dysfunctional family, was addicted to drugs. When he returned to London, he found himself on the street, among thousands of other homeless people. To somehow live, James became a street musician.

A decisive turn took place in the life of a young man when he saw a ginger street cat in his porch in north London. The animal was wounded and bleeding. James took the cat home, spent all the money he had left on the treatment of the animal and left him.

James tried to release the cat, but he refused to leave his new owner. And even followed him to "work". Sat nearby while Bowen entertained passers-by by singing along with a guitar in the Covent Garden area. Gradually the cat learned a few tricks. And it immediately increased the fees. The amazing couple was noticed by literary agent Maria Panchos and invited James to write a book. Luck smiled on him here too. The book became a bestseller, was translated into 18 languages and has already brought in good money. And now negotiations are underway for a Hollywood film adaptation of this story.

The spring catalog of the Book Club contains three books by James Bowen about his red-haired friend and their joint adventures: http://www.bookclub.by/avtorskiy-ugolok/avtori/bouen-dzh.html. These bestsellers can be purchased at a bargain price - we offer good discounts for regular readers of the Club!

Want to know more about James and Bob? We bring to your attention an interview published on the website of the Reader's Digest magazine: http://www.rd.ru/james-bowen. Enjoy reading!

How has the book's success affected your life?

- I no longer have to play and sing on the street or sell the Big Deal for a long time - which, of course, is very cool. In addition, Bob now has an even more diverse collection of hand-knitted scarves and rugs that he sits on when we go outside. Sometimes it is even difficult to choose what to wear today.

- Do you think Bob understands that he is now a world celebrity?

“I'm sure he figured something was going on. Became much more demanding. Likes to pretend to be a star sometimes. Bob generally loves attention. It is worth a person to say hello to him, and he rubs against his hand. I would say he just can't live without love.

Do you still sing in the street in Covent Garden? And if so, does it bother you that now everyone recognizes you?

“Now we rarely sing, although in the near future we may do it more often, and donate the collected money to charity. The difference is that where we used to get stopped occasionally, now it happens every few seconds. But like I said, Bob loves the attention, so it's not that big of a deal. And in any case, it's better than not being noticed, as it was in the darkest days of my past.

How are things going with the film? Who do you see as yourself?

- All this is still at the stage of negotiations, it is too early to talk about a final decision. As for the actor, they say that Johnny Depp will play this role. He's a great actor, but to be honest, I think he's a bit old. I think Daniel Radcliffe would fit. Everyone knows him as Harry Potter, but I've seen him in other films too: he's a great actor. I don't know if he likes cats though...

— About what aspect of the book can you say that it is especially important for me that it is correctly reflected in the film?

“I hope that the film will make the audience think about the fate of the homeless, about what it is like to work on the street. I hope that people will understand how often they do not notice the homeless and how important charitable projects like "The Big Deal" are.

- They say that the book will have a sequel, where you will describe the lessons of life that Bob taught you. Can you give one or two examples?

- I want people to understand the essence of our relationship, how we supported each other in a difficult moment. He taught me to understand what friendship and loyalty are. What is responsibility. He showed me that I need to look around more often, and also what courage and the struggle for survival are. I want to tell about all this in a book, I hope that it will be entertaining and kind.

Describe in a few words the character of Bob.

- An amazing creature with great worldly wisdom. He is able to cope with everything. His brains are wired differently. In many ways, he is more human than cat.

- You and Bob have a page on Facebook and Twitter, you have more and more fans. And what other tasks do you both have to solve?

We are both going to take on a new role. I really want to help charities that work with the homeless and with animals. It seems to me that in both areas I have some experience. And it is very important for me to repay with kindness those people who once helped Bob and me - for example, the employees of the Blue Cross.

- If you ask Bob: "What is your master?", what will he answer?

I think I'm kind and patient. Still devoted. After all, he still likes to go outside with me, calmly sits on my shoulders, does not twitch. So everything seems to be fine with us.

— What advice would you give to those who are faced with the same problems that have plagued you for many years?

- I will not advise: "Get a cat or a dog, and all your problems will be solved by themselves." Keeping a living being at home is not so easy. I just got lucky with Bob. I would say the following: if you are facing the same problems as me, please seek help. Don't scoff. If you're feeling down and need support, don't hesitate to ask for it. Don't wait for help to come. Also, never lose hope. I have learned from my own experience that hope dies last.

We remind you that you can buy James Bowen's books on the Book Club website: http://www.bookclub.by/avtorskiy-ugolok/avtori/bouen-dzh.html

Fascinating reading!

World bestseller! Screening in progress! He was a lonely homeless musician, but one day he saw this homeless cat... The cat managed to become both a friend, a partner, and a doctor. This is the story of the survival of two creatures in the stone jungle of a big city. History is filled with small miracles and human warmth.

James, a busker, and ginger Bob, a stray London cat. Both were homeless and lonely, but by the will of fate they met each other ... Bob found a home, and James began a new life. Now James tells how this meeting changed his life. This is a story about their everyday life, joys and sorrows, difficulties and victories. And that there is always hope.

This couple always has something to tell their readers about! Before meeting Bob, James didn't like Christmas, but the ginger cat changed everything. He literally gave his master a new life, creating a real Christmas miracle. For more than four years, the stories of James Bowen and his cat Bob have won the hearts of millions of readers around the world. In the New Year, Bob the cat brings happiness to every home. Do you want to have "golden paws" in your house? Well, then the Christmas tree should be properly dressed up! How? Ask Bob the cat.

James Bowen

A street cat named Bob

How man and cat found hope on the streets of London

Bryn Fox... and everyone who has lost friends

Soul mate

I read somewhere a famous quote that every day of our life gives us a second chance, we only have to lend a hand, but the problem is that we do not use it.

For most of my life I have proven the truth of these words. Opportunities abounded, sometimes multiple times a day. For a long time I did not pay attention to them, but everything changed in the early spring of 2007. Then I became friends with Bob. When I look back on that day, it seems to me that maybe he also got a second chance.

We first met on an overcast March evening. London hadn't completely shaken off the winter yet, so the streets were chilly, especially when the wind was blowing from the Thames. Since the night was noticeably cold, I returned to Tottenham a little earlier than usual after a whole day speaking to passers-by in Covent Garden Square.

A backpack and a black guitar case dangled behind me, and my close friend Belle walked beside me. Many years ago we met, and now we were just friends. That evening we planned to buy a cheap curry to go and watch a movie on a small black-and-white TV that I managed to get from a thrift store around the corner.

The elevator, as always, did not work; we prepared for the long journey to the sixth floor and set about climbing the first flight of stairs. Someone broke the light bulb on the landing, so the first floor was plunged into darkness; nevertheless I saw a pair of shining eyes in the semi-darkness. And when I heard a quiet plaintive meow, I realized to whom they belong.

Leaning down, I saw a ginger cat curled up on a rug near one of the doors. As a child, cats constantly lived in our house, and I always had warm feelings for these animals. Having examined the meowing stranger better, I realized that in front of me was a male. Although I had never seen him in our house before, even then, in the twilight, I could tell that this cat had character. He was not nervous at all, rather, on the contrary, he exuded restrained calmness and imperturbable confidence. The cat clearly felt at home on the landing; judging by the intent, slightly curious look of intelligent eyes, he perceived me as an uninvited guest on his territory. And as if asking: “Who are you and what brings you here?”

I could not stand it, sat down next to the cat and introduced myself.

Hello boy. Haven't seen you here before. Do you live here? I asked.

The cat looked at me with mock indifference, as if he was wondering if I should answer. I decided to scratch behind his ear: firstly, to make friends, and secondly, to check if he was wearing a collar or other signs that I had a house cat in front of me - it was not possible to discern in the dark whether he was well-groomed or not. . My new acquaintance turned out to be a vagabond; Well, London boasts a large number of stray cats.

The red-haired scratching behind the ear was to his liking: he began to rub against my hand. Stroking his back, I felt here and there a few bald patches. Yes, this cat would definitely need a good diet. And judging by the way he turned to me with one or the other side, a portion of care and affection would also be useful.

Poor cat... I think he's homeless. He doesn't have a collar, and look how skinny he is,” I said, looking back at Belle, who was patiently waiting on the stairs. She knew I had a weakness for cats.

No, James, you can't take it for yourself,” she said, nodding at the door of the apartment where the cat was perched. - He did not just come here - most likely, the owners live here somewhere. Maybe he's waiting for them to come home and let him in.

I reluctantly agreed with my friend. After all, I couldn't just take the cat to me, even if everything indicated that he had nowhere to go. I myself have only recently moved here and still trying to put things in order in the apartment. What if the owners really live in this house? It is unlikely that they will be happy to know that someone has appropriated their cat.

Moreover, I just lacked the extra responsibility now. A failing musician trying to get rid of a drug addiction, barely able to make money on a simple meal and living in a council apartment ... and I couldn’t really take care of myself.

* * *

Leaving the house the next morning, I met a ginger cat in the same place. Obviously, he had spent the last twelve hours on the rug - and he was not going to leave it. Dropping to one knee, I stroked the cat, and he again gratefully responded to the unexpected caress. He purred, enjoying the attention; although he was somewhat wary, I felt that he was gradually beginning to trust me.

In the light of day, it became clear that a luxurious animal had wandered into our house. The cat had an expressive muzzle and piercing green eyes; looking closely, I noticed several scratches on the paws and on the head. Apparently, he recently got into a fight. And the day before, I correctly assessed his condition - the cat was very thin, bald spots shone here and there on the skin. I was worried about the red-haired handsome man, but I had to remind myself that I had much more important reasons and concerns. With great reluctance, I got up from my knees, left the house and took a bus to the center of London - I again went to Covent Garden to play the guitar in front of passers-by in the hope of earning some money.

Returning home at almost ten in the evening, the first thing I looked around for was the cat, but he was nowhere to be found. I confess, I was a little upset, because I managed to become attached to the redhead. And yet he breathed a sigh of relief: probably, the owners finally came home and let him in.

* * *

When the next day I went down to the first floor, my heart skipped a beat: the cat was sitting in the same place in front of the door. He just seemed even more miserable and shabby than before. He was obviously cold, hungry and trembling slightly.

So you're all sitting here, - I said, stroking the redhead. - You don't look well today.

At that moment, I decided that this had gone too far. And he knocked on the door of the apartment, chosen by the cat. I had to say something to its inhabitants. If it's their pet, you can't treat it like that. He needs to be fed and seen by a doctor.

The door was opened by an unshaven guy in a T-shirt and sweatpants. Judging by the sleepy face, I pulled him out of bed, although the time was approaching noon.

This edition is published by arrangement with Aitken Alexander Associates Ltd. and The Van Lear Agency

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Bryn Fox... and everyone who has lost friends

Chapter 1
Soul mate

I read somewhere a famous quote that every day of our life gives us a second chance, we only have to lend a hand, but the problem is that we do not use it.

I could not stand it, sat down next to the cat and introduced myself.

- Hello, boy. Haven't seen you here before. Do you live here? I asked.

“Poor cat… I think he's homeless. He doesn't have a collar, and look how thin he is,” I said, looking back at Belle, who was waiting patiently on the stairs. She knew I had a weakness for cats.

“No, James, you can't take it for yourself,” she said, nodding at the door of the apartment where the cat was perched. – He did not come here just like that – most likely, the owners live here somewhere. Maybe he's waiting for them to come home and let him in.

* * *

Leaving the house the next morning, I met a ginger cat in the same place. He had apparently been on the mat for the last twelve hours and had no intention of leaving it. Dropping to one knee, I stroked the cat, and he again gratefully responded to the unexpected caress. He purred, enjoying the attention; although he was somewhat wary, I felt that he was gradually beginning to trust me.

In the light of day, it became clear that a luxurious animal had wandered into our house. The cat had an expressive muzzle and piercing green eyes; looking closely, I noticed several scratches on the paws and on the head. Apparently, he recently got into a fight. And the day before, I correctly assessed his condition - the cat was very thin, bald spots shone here and there on the skin. I was worried about the handsome redhead, but I had to remind myself that I had far more important things to worry about. With great reluctance, I got up from my knees, left the house and took a bus to the center of London - I again went to Covent Garden to play the guitar in front of passers-by in the hope of earning some money.

* * *

“So you’re all sitting here,” I said, stroking the redhead. You don't look well today.

The door was opened by an unshaven guy in a T-shirt and sweatpants. Judging by the sleepy face, I pulled him out of bed, although the time was approaching noon.

“Sorry to bother you, friend. Is this your cat? I asked.

For a few seconds he looked at me as if I had started.

- What cat? he finally asked, then lowered his eyes and saw the redhead curled up on the rug.

“Oh. No,” he said, shrugging his shoulders indifferently. “I see him for the first time.

“He's been sitting here for several days,” I insisted, but received only a blank look in response.

- Yes? I must have smelled the food or something like that. But this is the first time I see him.

And the guy slammed the door.

And I already knew what to do.

“So, friend, you will come with me,” I said, reaching into my backpack in search of a box of crackers - I carried it with me on purpose to treat the cats and dogs that came up to me when I played the guitar.

As soon as I shook the box, the cat jumped up, expressing his readiness to follow me with all his appearance. I noticed that he was not very good on his feet and was dragging his hind leg, so it took us a while to climb five flights of stairs. But after a few minutes, the cat and I were already entering the apartment.

Frankly speaking, my dwelling did not differ in the richness of the situation. The only furniture besides the TV was a used pull-out sofa and a mattress in the corner of the small bedroom; in the kitchen area were a toaster, a microwave, and a refrigerator that was about to expire. No stove. In addition to the above, the apartment was filled with books, videotapes and a lot of knick-knacks.

I confess that I am forty by nature: I constantly drag all sorts of things from the street into the house. At that time, I could boast of a broken-down parking machine in the corner and a broken mannequin in a cowboy hat. One friend once called my house a "shop of antiquities", but the cat did not honor these "treasures" with attention, immediately rushing to the kitchen.

I got a carton of milk from the fridge, poured it into a bowl and added a little bit of water. I knew that—contrary to popular belief—milk can be harmful to cats because they are generally lactose intolerant. The cat lapped up the treat in seconds.

As a second course, I offered the guest canned tuna mixed with crackers. And again the cat swallowed the food in the blink of an eye. Poor fellow, I thought. “Probably starved.”

After the cold dark entrance, the cat perceived my apartment as a luxury suite in a five-star hotel. He obviously liked it here: having satisfied his hunger, he went to the living room and curled up on the floor next to the radiator.

I took a moment to carefully examine my new friend. He really had problems with his right hind leg: I found a large abscess on it. Judging by the size of the wound, the cat was attacked by a dog or a fox; the animal managed to sensitively claw the redhead before he managed to escape. Judging by the number of scars (one flaunted right on the face, next to the eye), I got a fighting cat ...

I treated the paw as well as I could: put the redhead into the bath, then rubbed a moisturizing cloth around the abscess and applied ointment to the wound itself. Another cat would be furious if I thought of treating him like that, but this one behaved with dignity and steadfastly endured all procedures.

He spent the rest of the day next to the battery; even then it became clear that this place would be his favorite. Occasionally the cat would get up and start wandering around the apartment, jumping on the furniture and sharpening its claws on comfortable surfaces. The mannequin, which he had previously ignored, now attracted him like a magnet. I didn't mind. Let him do what he wants.

I knew that red cats were distinguished by their lively character; my guest was literally overflowing with energy. When I tried to pet him, he jumped up and started thrashing me with his paws. The cat was so carried away by the game that at some point he almost tore my arm bleeding.

“Hey, be quiet, calm down,” I said, lowering the redhead to the floor.

I have heard that young uncastrated males can be overly playful. Apparently, my guest, who recently reached puberty, had everything he needed in place. Of course, I could not say for sure, but this fact only confirmed my guesses that I brought a tramp to me, and not a lost home.

In the evening I watched TV; a happy cat was warming himself by the battery. When I went to bed, he took off from his seat to curl up at my feet. Listening to the quiet purr of the redhead, I was glad that he was nearby. Lately, I've been missing company.

* * *

On Sunday I got up early to walk the streets and look for the owner of my new neighbor. Maybe someone already put up notices about the missing cat around the area. Local lights, notice boards, and even bus stops were always full of photos of lost pets. There were so many of them that once I even wondered if a gang of cat thieves was hunting in our area.

I took the redhead with me, in case I found his owner right away. To prevent him from running away, I hastily made a leash out of string; but the cat made no attempt to escape and calmly descended the steps with me.

But when we left the entrance, he immediately pulled on the leash, as if he remembered an urgent matter. I thought he might need to go to the bathroom. And so it happened: obeying the call of nature, the cat rushed to the green patch next to the neighboring house and hid in the bushes for a couple of minutes. Then he returned to me and calmly allowed me to return the leash to its place.

“And he really trusts me!” - I thought, and immediately felt that I must certainly repay the cat for trust.

First of all, we went to the lady who lived in the house opposite: she looked after the local cats, fed the homeless and, if necessary, took them to the veterinarian for castration. When she opened the door, I noticed at least five cats in the room! And God knows how many more lived in the backyard. It seemed that all the surrounding cats knew about the hospitality of this lady. I wonder if she has enough money to feed them?

As soon as she saw the redhead, she was imbued with sympathy for him and hurried to the kitchen for a treat. Unfortunately, she had no idea where he came from. My neighbor certainly wasn't one of her backyard regulars.

“He must have lived in another part of London. I wouldn't be surprised if he was brought here and abandoned,” she said. And she promised to keep me posted if she found out anything about the missing ginger cat.

The assumption that my friend was not from the locals seemed to me very true. Out of curiosity, I let him off the leash and looked to see if he knew which way to go. But the cat chose to stay close to me: apparently, the streets of Tottenham were unfamiliar to him. For a few seconds, the redhead stared around in confusion, and then looked at me, and in his eyes one could read: “I have no idea where I am. I want to stay with you."

And yet we continued to roam the streets. At some point, the cat again rushed into the bushes, and I took a moment to ask passers-by if the ginger cat had disappeared. But they only shook their heads and shrugged in response.

The cat demonstrated with all his behavior that he feels quite comfortable in my company and is not going to leave. While we were walking, I did not stop asking questions about what happened to him: where did he come from in our entrance? what kind of life did he have before he ended up on the rug in front of someone else's door?

In part, I was inclined to agree with the "cat lady": most likely, he used to be domestic. Probably someone got an adorable kitten as a Christmas or birthday present. Redheads can be quite obnoxious (much more obnoxious than other cats), and if they are not castrated on time, they often begin to show character and claim leadership in the family. I suspect that when my ward showed his violent temper, the former owners decided that they had had enough.

I imagined parents telling a child that “everything has a limit!”, throwing a cat in the back seat of the family car and, instead of putting it in a shelter or finding new owners, they take it away from home to be abandoned in an alley or somewhere on the sidelines.

Cats have a superb sense of direction, but the redhead has clearly been driven far enough away that he cannot find his way back. Although it is possible that the cat realized that he would not be welcome in the same place - and decided to find a new home.

I also had a version that he used to live with some old lady who died quietly. Although it is quite possible that I was wrong and the cat has been wandering since birth. For some, this would be a significant reason to send the animal back to the street. But the better I got to know the redhead, the more clearly I understood that he was used to living next to people. And he reached out to those who could take care of him. That's why the cat followed me so easily.

The main clue about the redhead's past was his wound, which, despite my efforts yesterday, still didn't look too good. He obviously got it in a fight. Judging by the condition of the abscess, this happened a few days, or even a week ago. Well, there have always been a lot of stray animals in London; they roamed the streets, content with leftovers and occasional handouts from compassionate townspeople. Five or six centuries ago, places like Gresham Street in the City, Slurkenwell Green and Drury Lane were known as "cat streets". They were not overcrowded by stray cats. Every day they fought for survival with the same vagabonds. And many, probably, looked like my red-haired acquaintance - shabby creatures broken by circumstances.

Maybe he sensed a kindred spirit in me?

A London cat named Bob and street musician James Bowen became so good friends that his owner decided to write about how this cat, at that time homeless, saved his life and they have since become inseparable friends. The book called "Street Cat Named Bob"("A street cat named Bob") after its release for another 6 months was in the top ten world bestsellers.

The story begins with an avid drug addict, James Bowen, kicked out of his house by his own sister and her husband. For 3 years, James wandered the streets, loneliness and hopelessness in this situation affected the moral and social position of the homeless. He had to spend the night literally on the street. But he managed to get a small apartment in London, helped by the city authorities.

That 5 years ago, a homeless cat named Bob changed the situation. One day, in his stairwell, James saw a homeless red-haired cat bleeding. He was so saturated with sympathy for the cat that he took him to him, washed him and departed, spent the last money on him.

But when the cat came out and decided to let him go free, it turns out that the cat was not going to leave his new owner. He even began to go to work with him, sat quietly and watched his master sing and entertain the audience at Covent Garden. After a while, the cat even learned some tricks, as a result of which James's income increased.

James does not consider himself the owner of Bob, he sees him as a full partner and genius. Since then, everything has changed in James' life and drugs are a thing of the past.

One day, literary agent Maria Panchos caught the eye of this amazing couple, and she invited a street musician to write a book about herself and a cat. that in just 6 months the book was written and published, it immediately became a bestseller and has been translated into 18 languages, which brought the young man good money. Negotiations are now underway to shoot based on James's book.

James is very pleased with his new partner and just a friend, he was very worried when Bob disappeared 2 times right during the performances. The first time a man scared him dressed in fancy dress, the second - he was attacked by a dog from the breed mastiff. But with the happiness of the owner, in both cases, the cat returned in just a couple of hours.

Everything that James has, he owes to his red-haired friend. Now the young man has money, and he can finally visit his mother, who lives in Australia, and pay off all the debts that have accumulated over a past life. He is glad that his friend appeared in his life - a cat named Bob!

P.S. This wonderful story about Bob the cat and his owner inspired the feature film A Street Cat Named Bob (2016).

"Mustachioed Monday". James and Bob - London musicians! Red cat bob, who became famous all over the world cat bob from london

Chapter 1 Soul mate

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Chapter 1
Soul mate