A cat who provides companionship to bus passengers has become a local sensation in Shepshed, Leicestershire.
Beau, the beloved ginger tom, is so cherished that residents are even contributing to a fund for a commemorative artwork in his honor.
At 13 years old, Beau belongs to local resident Victoria Reeve, though she humorously admits, “he’s more Shepshed’s cat now.”
“Everybody looks out for him,” she said, noting that so many people feed him that he often has to be put on a diet. Her family sometimes goes to the bus stop just to spend time with him.
“I did mind at first; I have a few cats and have lost some in the past. But at least I always know where he is,” Ms. Reeve added.
“He’s very good with children. I’ve had many people tell me he absolutely adores them and always makes such a fuss.”
Beau continued to frequent the Bullring bus stop this summer, even during construction work for new bus shelters, paving, and benches as part of the Shepshed Town Centre Masterplan.
In August, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to create “a statue, plaque, or some form of artwork” to celebrate Beau and his friendly presence.
Photographer Susan Guy, who isn’t a regular bus rider, often takes a moment to sit with Beau when passing by. She remarked that a statue in his honor “would be so sweet.”
“I walk past the stop and always give him a hug,” she said.
Hollie Buchanan, 20, from Kegworth, uses the bus to commute to work in Shepshed and shared, “He’s always around; everyone knows the ginger cat. I’m terrified of cats, but I have videos of him sitting on my knee.”
She added that Beau has visited her workplace, a care home, a couple of times.
Marrianne Morris, 58, who works across from the Bullring bus stop, remarked, “He’s definitely an attraction. I’ve been here five years, and you see him most days. The school kids stroke him, and when people are sitting at the bus stop, he always climbs on their laps for some affection—until he gets fed up. He’s very friendly; everybody knows him. It would be lovely to see a little statue.”
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