Photo Credit: The Huddersfield Station Cats Facebook

By KLTV Newsdesk – 

The black cat became a social media sensation after winning thousands of fans during more than five years at Huddersfield Railway Station

Bolt, a much-loved black cat who became one of the most recognisable faces at Huddersfield Railway Station, has died following a road traffic accident.

He first appeared at the station in 2019 and quickly became a favourite among railway staff, passengers and local people.

Over the years, he became a social media sensation, with the Facebook page dedicated to Bolt and his fellow station cat Felix attracting more than 167,000 followers.

News of Bolt’s death has prompted an outpouring of sadness from the many people who followed his adventures and fondly remembered seeing him around the station.

A much-loved station cat

When Bolt arrived at Huddersfield Railway Station, he had an experienced mentor in Felix, who had been patrolling the station since 2011.

The pair quickly became inseparable and developed a reputation far beyond the station itself.

Their popularity saw them feature together in two Sunday Times bestselling books by Kate Moore – Felix The Railway Cat and Full Steam Ahead, Felix.

Bolt was also photographed regularly in and around the station, with his distinctive black coat and character making him a favourite subject for visitors and railway enthusiasts.

Following Felix’s death in 2023, aged 12, Bolt was promoted to senior pest controller, taking on the mantle of the station’s resident feline celebrity.

Bolt’s retirement from the station

Bolt eventually left Huddersfield Railway Station last year as major engineering works associated with the Transpennine Route Upgrade caused significant disruption around the station.

It was decided that he would be better rehomed with his “station mum”, Jacqui, where he could live away from the disruption.

After retiring from station life, Bolt spent his days being thoroughly spoiled by Jacqui and sharing his home with his feline companions.

According to those close to him, he was enjoying his retirement and “living his best life”.

Sadly, that retirement was cut short following a road traffic accident last week.

‘His passing would have been instant’

Alan Hind, a fan of the station cats who runs the Facebook page The Huddersfield Station Cats and Instagram account Stationcatshudds, shared the news of Bolt’s death.

He described the news as one of the posts they had never wanted to write.

“Our beloved former station cat Bolt has crossed the Rainbow Bridge,” he said.

“After retiring from Huddersfield Station, Bolt spent his days being thoroughly spoiled by Jacqui and sharing his home with his feline companions. He truly was living his best life.

“Sadly, Bolt passed away this week after a road traffic accident. The small comfort in this heartbreaking situation is that his vet believes his passing would have been instant.”

Alan also paid tribute to the lasting impact Bolt had on those who knew him.

“Bolt may have left the station many moons ago, but he never left the hearts of the people who knew and loved him.”

Jacqui is said to be devastated by the loss of Bolt, who had become a much-loved member of her family.

Those paying tribute have been asked to keep their comments kind and respectful as she comes to terms with his death.

A lasting legacy

Although Bolt had left the station, his connection with the local community remained strong.

His popularity extended well beyond railway enthusiasts, with thousands of people following his story online and many more encountering him during their journeys through Huddersfield.

Bolt and Felix also became associated with helping less fortunate felines, and supporters are now being encouraged to remember Bolt by making a donation to Huddersfield Feral & Strays.

The charity supports cats in need, and a donation in Bolt’s memory would provide a fitting legacy for a cat who became such a much-loved part of the town’s story.

Donate to Huddersfield Feral & Strays in Bolt’s memory

For many people in Huddersfield, Bolt was a familiar face, a source of countless photographs and social media posts, and a memorable part of everyday life at one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.

Felix may have taught him the ropes, but Bolt went on to create a legacy of his own.