Bolt Huddersfield station cat dies in road accident

Bolt, the beloved black cat of Huddersfield Railway Station, died in a road traffic accident last week. TransPennine Express announced the passing of the former senior pest controller, who had graced the station's platforms for more than five years.

Bolt joined the station team in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station's famous Senior Pest Controller. He quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers, and visitors from around the world. When Felix passed away in 2023, Bolt was promoted to the senior pest controller role. Together, the two cats featured in two Sunday Times bestselling books by author Kate Moore: Felix The Railway Cat and Full Steam Ahead, Felix. A dedicated Facebook page for the pair gained more than 167,000 followers. Bolt left the station last year due to engineering works and was rehomed with his 'station mum', Jacqui.

The circumstances of Bolt’s passing

Alan Hind, who runs the station cats' social media pages, confirmed Bolt passed away this week after a road traffic accident. TransPennine Express stated publicly that it was with heavy hearts they announced his passing. Bolt's vet believed his passing would have been instant.

Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TransPennine Express, said the company was deeply saddened by the loss. He described Bolt as a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family who brought joy and comfort to many people over the years.

Tributes and memories from those who knew him

Colleagues, fans, and the author who chronicled his life shared heartfelt memories. Andrew McClements reflected on Bolt's journey. From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world, he said. "He will be very sadly missed."

Author Kate Moore said she was 'so sad' to hear the news. She recalled Bolt's playful spirit. Kate Moore said: "I well remember him as a kitten, full of playful energy, trying to run rings around Felix (rarely succeeding)." She added that she was sure Felix was showing Bolty Boy the ropes in the next world. Fans online echoed the sentiment, with one hoping Felix was waiting to welcome Bolt just as he did when Bolt first arrived at Huddersfield.

How fans can honour Bolt’s memory

Alan Hind has suggested a way for the global community of admirers to pay their respects. He said anyone wishing to mark Bolt's passing could donate to the Huddersfield Feral and Strays fundraising page. Hind noted that both Felix and Bolt loved helping less fortunate felines. Any donation, no matter how small, would help other cats in need and serve as a fitting legacy for the much-loved station cat. One fan has already asked if, once station works are complete, another deserving cat might find a home there.

Anyone wishing to mark Bolt's passing could donate to the Huddersfield Feral and Strays fundraising page.