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Station cat makes Stourbridge famous

Station cat makes Stourbridge famous
Posted on | Posted on Jasper

A cat that lives at a train station in the West Midlands has become so popular that it has its own marker on Google Maps and even its own merchandise.

George the cat first appeared at Stourbridge Junction in 2017 and was adopted by staff when his owner emigrated to Spain.

The 10-year-old cat has become a real celebrity thanks to his social media accounts and has fans visiting him from as far away as the US, Canada and Asia.

He has now been nominated for the “Make a Difference Award” by BBC Radio WM.

George and the other finalists will find out if they have won at a ceremony at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Monday 9 September.

A red and white cat is held by a man in a grey polo shirt with the words 'West Midlands Railway' embroidered on the left side. Behind him are pictures and calendars on the wall, including a drawing of the same cat.A red and white cat is held by a man in a grey polo shirt with the words 'West Midlands Railway' embroidered on the left side. Behind him are pictures and calendars on the wall, including a drawing of the same cat.

The red-haired cat has a special bond with his boss Ian Tomlinson, who agreed to adopt him when his owner emigrated (BBC)

A red and white cat sleeps in a blue bed. In the foreground is a West Midlands Railway badge with the inscription A red and white cat sleeps in a blue bed. In the foreground is a West Midlands Railway badge with the inscription

The 10-year-old cat finds his role as the station’s chief mouse catcher exhausting (Simone Carter)

A Google Maps screenshot showing an icon of a red and white cat with the caption A Google Maps screenshot showing an icon of a red and white cat with the caption

George has become so popular that he has his own marker on Google Maps (Google).

George’s official role is that of Chief Mouser, but his influence is far greater than his title suggests.

He helps spread positivity with encouraging messages posted on his social media pages.

A percentage of the profits from the sale of his merchandise are donated to local charities and many of his treats are given to cats in need.

In 2021, George’s army of social media followers helped Stourbridge Junction win the World Cup of Stations Award, presented by the Rail Delivery Group.

Last year he was actively involved in the campaign to save the ticket sales outlets.

A woman in a grey cardigan, blue T-shirt and grey jeans is squatting next to a red and white cat and stroking its back. They are standing in front of a train station, next to a metal fenceA woman in a grey cardigan, blue T-shirt and grey jeans is squatting next to a red and white cat and stroking its back. They are standing in front of a train station, next to a metal fence

Naomi White of Craven Arms follows George on social media and said he made “a huge difference” to how she felt that day (BBC)

A mural depicting a red and white cat with a mouse riding on its tail on the left. On the right side of the image is a surreal mix of bespectacled eyes and grinning faces - the creature also has what looks like a propeller for one of its two noses. At the top left of the mural is the caption A mural depicting a red and white cat with a mouse riding on its tail on the left. On the right side of the image is a surreal mix of bespectacled eyes and grinning faces - the creature also has what looks like a propeller for one of its two noses. At the top left of the mural is the caption

George and his staff were dedicated a mural at Stourbridge Junction (BBC)

A red and white cat sits on a blue chair and looks at a black hat with an embroidered cat faceA red and white cat sits on a blue chair and looks at a black hat with an embroidered cat face

Local business Olivia-Mae Creations designs George-themed hats, mugs, coasters and calendars, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity (Joanne Thorpe)

George is the latest in a long tradition of station cats.

Supervisor Ian Tomlinson said there was another one at Stourbridge Junction many years ago, as well as at Smethwick West, Langley and Rowley Regis.

They were traditionally used to keep vermin at bay.

George currently lives at the station, but when Mr Tomlinson retires he will move in with him.

A red and white cat sits at the ticket counter of a train stationA red and white cat sits at the ticket counter of a train station

George likes to spend most of his time in front of the ticket counter (BBC)

A red and white cat sits in front of a train station. In the background, above a row of automatic doors, a sign reading A red and white cat sits in front of a train station. In the background, above a row of automatic doors, a sign reading

Sometimes the red-haired cat likes to greet commuters when they arrive at the station (BBC)

A red and white cat sits in a room full of drawings, mostly depicting catsA red and white cat sits in a room full of drawings, mostly depicting cats

The ticket office at Stourbridge Junction is full of artwork, cards and letters dedicated to George (BBC)

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