Beloved Huddersfield train station cat Felix has died: Outpouring of grief for moggie who worked as a Senior Pest Controller and patrolled the platforms for 12 years

A much-loved cat who patrolled a West Yorkshire train station has died, sparking an outpouring of grief on her dedicated Facebook page.

Felix, who served as ‘Senior Pest Controller’ at Huddersfield Railway Station, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023, after discovering a terminal illness.

She was born on May 17, 2011 and joined the TransPennine Express (TPE) team six weeks later, spending most of her life ‘in service’ at the station.

The black and white cat, whose name was given to her as a kitten when staff thought she was male, wore a hi-vis jacket and a TPE name badge and even enjoyed the use of a unique cat flap that allowed her to bypass the door. the station barriers.

Felix patrolled the station for 12 years, delighting the customers and commuters who passed through. The friendly cat is pictured while on duty at Huddersfield Station

She spent her days catching mice, making friends with commuters and earning cat treats.

The cat’s death was announced by TPE, which said she was humanely euthanized at a local veterinarian.

She was in the company of Angie Hunte, Huddersfield Station Manager, and Jacqui Cox, Huddersfield Station Team Leader.

Angie said: ‘Felix was more than a cat. She was a beloved member of our station family and left her footprints in the hearts of many commuters who passed through the station.

‘Her presence brought smiles to visitors from all over the world, making Huddersfield Station a special place. We will miss her very much.’

Felix wore a hi-vis jacket and a TPE name badge and enjoyed using a unique cat flap that allowed her to bypass the station’s barriers

‘Felix was more than a cat. She was a much-loved member of our station family,” said Huddersfield station manager Angie Hunte

Felix was loved by customers and TPE staff. She rose to fame in 2015 after a Facebook page was set up by a commuter

Felix was at the station for 12 years and is survived by her student Bolt, who joined in 2018.

The pair have taken part in an annual calendar and been featured in two books, raising more than £240,000 for charities.

Her fame began in 2015 when commuter Alan Hind came across the friendly cat during his daily journeys between Huddersfield and Manchester.

Alan created a Facebook page for Felix and it has since gained 170,000 followers.

An announcement of Felix’s death, posted on the Facebook page this morninghas generated thousands of responses and responses.

In addition to the photo above, an announcement of Felix’s death was posted on Facebook

One commenter, Jane Horner, said: ‘I’m so sad to hear this news. I received a lot of pats and cuddles during my commuting years.’

Another person wrote: ‘I can’t believe it. I’m writing this while crying. I feel like I’ve lost one of my own cats.”

Lois Fitzpatrick said: “It has been a pleasure to watch Felix over the years. I’m sure Bolt will continue the hard work. Love and hugs to the whole team. Have a good rest, Felix.”

TPE has asked fans of Felix not to visit the station and to leave their condolences online via the memorial post on the Felix and Bolt Facebook page.

It says a commemoration will take place in due course.

TPE has asked fans of Felix not to visit the station and to leave their condolences online

TPE says there is no official fundraiser for Felix’s passing and is asking customers and fans to avoid donating to fundraisers they see online in her honor because it “cannot guarantee that proceeds will go to a Felix approved charity goes’.

Angie said: “We understand that many people want to honor Felix’s memory. We encourage those wishing to raise or donate money to consider purchasing the latest Felix and Bolt 2024 Annual Calendar instead.”

The 2024 Felix and Bolt Calendar will be available later this week and advertised on the Felix and Bolt Facebook page.