A cat who was abandoned with his mum and littermates in a bin bag and dumped by the roadside, starred in one of Channel 4’s “Narrow Escapes” episodes about living on a narrowboat near Nantwich.
Hugo, a black and white male cat, was rescued by the RSPCA 15 years ago when he was found tied-up in a bin bag on the roadside in Surrey.
He was taken in by the RSPCA who cared for him and then rehomed him to owner Andy Hamblin.
Andy is a continuous canal cruiser but mostly spends time in the Nantwich area and in Ellesmere, Shropshire.
He said: “When I saw Hugo’s story, it was so sad I knew I had to adopt him. I fell in love with Hugo.
“He was just a kitten when I adopted him and ever since that day he has been by my side.
“I work as an artist and I work from home so we have been together every day, he’s my little buddy.
“He’s such a soft, loving cat and he wants fuss all the time. He’s very affectionate!”
When they moved onto a narrowboat, Andy built Hugo his own porthole cat flap and a special cat ladder to get on and off.
Hugo has become a local celebrity with passers-by stopping to take a picture of him coming out of his cat flap or sunbathing on top of the boat.
Andy added: “A boating friend of mine who was in series one of Narrow Escapes mentioned to the producers ‘have you heard about the cat flap boat?’ which then sparked their interest.
“They came to interview me and then said they would like to feature me in series two of the programme.”
Most of the filming for Narrow Escapes followed them on a 130-mile journey from the Ashby canal to Llangollen canal in Shropshire.
Andy added: “He adapted to the boat really well.
“When he first came on the boat I would start by just running the engine for a bit and not moving anywhere for a few days so he could get used to the sound. After two or three days, he didn’t even bat an eyelid.
“Ever since, he’s fine whenever I move the boat, he just lays down on his bed and has a sleep.
“I’m a continuous cruiser on canals so he’s used to the moving and knows when it’s time to set off again.
“I call him and he comes running back in and off we go. Then when we stop again he gets out and has a little explore – he loves it!
“You couldn’t want a more chilled, loving cat. He’s a really good companion and I’m grateful to have him.”
Narrow Escapes Producer Sarah Adams added: “From the moment I met Andy and Hugo I knew that our viewers would absolutely take them to their hearts.
“They are completely devoted to each other and Hugo has adapted brilliantly to boat life.
“His back story is so sad but thanks to the amazing work of the RSPCA and Andy’s love and care Hugo really is living his best life aboard a boat that has special modifications to make sure he lives in the lap of luxury!
“As well as the most famous cat flap on our canals, Hugo has a special hammock for essential cat napping and a step to help him jump onto the bed where he enjoys lots of cuddles with Andy.”
What a delightful story
Fabulous