Meet the station cat whose book won hearts globally

A railway cat who became an online sensation has added another milestone to his growing list of achievements with the release of a book about his life.

George, the Stourbridge Junction cat, has amassed around 260,000 followers across different social media platforms.

His fame reached beyond the internet last year, when a West Midlands Railway train, which runs between Stourbridge Town and Stourbridge Junction, was named after him. A song has also been written about the feline celebrity.

Now, service quality and continuous improvement manager, Simone Carter, has published a biography about George, bringing together his story and the impact he has had on the local community.

"We had a lot of people ask various questions and ask about actually producing a book for George… so that's what I decided to do, bring it all together into a book all about George," she said.

The biography explains how George came to make the station his home after his former owners emigrated to Spain. It also explores the themes of kindness, cheekiness and the sense of community that has grown around him.

Carter said the response to the book had exceeded expectations, with readers moved by George's story.

His fans are not just local either, photographs have been sent from around the world.

"The book has been received exceptionally well, far better than any expectations that I could have ever had", she said.

"A lot of George's online friends have been sending in pictures of their cats laying on the books, having the books read to them… We're talking about Thailand, Japan, Australia, America, it's gone pretty global."

While the superstar has admirers far and wide, it is those that see him everyday who are among his biggest fans.

"People come here for their commutes and they all ask where George is, and it brings a bit of brightness to the day," said Matthew Cartwright, a customer service advisor.

One passenger added: "If you're very lucky, you might spot him hiding, trying to catch mice or a bird."

Another commented: "Everyone round here knows George the cat, he's a nice, friendly sort of cat that watches the world go by."

At 12, George is described as being in his prime, but what comes next could depend on the people who continue to follow his adventures online.

There is also the question of retirement.

George's adopted dad, Ian, is planning to retire from the railway, raising the possibility that the pair could eventually hang up their boots – or paws – together.

"He's still in his prime.

"He's down to earth and he resonates kindness, we're in a world that isn't always very nice… and if we can share that via George, what more can we ask for?," Carter added.

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