Felix became a social media star and local celebrity.
“It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announce the passing of Felix, its globally famous cat, who served as ‘senior pest controller’ at Huddersfield Station. Felix was born on 17 May 2011 and joined the TPE team at Huddersfield six weeks later, spending the majority of her life ‘on duty’ at the station.
“After many years of being ‘on guard’ at the Yorkshire station, Felix passed away peacefully on 3 December 2023 after the discovery of a terminal illness.” – TPE Statement
Felix passed away peacefully on Sunday evening in the comfort of Angie Hunte, Huddersfield Station Manager, and Jacqui Cox, Huddersfield Station Team Leader. TPS note that Felix was humanely put to sleep at a local vet due to the discovery of tumours which led to medical complications.
Angie Hunte, Huddersfield Station Manager for TransPennine Express:
“Felix was more than a cat; she was a beloved member of our station family and left her paw prints on many commuters’ hearts as they passed through the station. Her presence brought smiles to visitors from around the world, making Huddersfield Station a special place. We will miss her dearly.”
Felix’s remarkable internet fame began in 2015 when commuter, Alan Hind, encountered the friendly feline during his daily travels between Huddersfield and Manchester. Alan created a Facebook page for Felix, and when staff at the station promoted Felix to Senior Pest Controller with her very own name badge and high-vis vest, it quickly went viral, accumulating 100K followers by the end of 2016. Her popularity since then has transcended the Pennines with visitors from around the world making pilgrimages to Huddersfield solely to meet Felix and her Facebook page receiving more than 24 million views annually.
Felix’s fame was not only a source of joy but also a force for good. Felix and her junior recruit, Bolt, who joined as Felix’s apprentice in 2018, have taken part in a calendar each year and have also been featured in two books – raising more than £240k for charitable causes.
“TPE asks that as they navigate this difficult time and period of mourning that Felix fans refrain from visiting the station and leave their expressions of sympathy online via the Felix and Bolt Facebook page memorial post. There is no official TPE fundraiser for Felix’s passing – a fitting memorial will be arranged in due course. TPE kindly asks that customers and fans of Felix avoid donating to any fundraisers they may see online in her honour as they cannot guarantee the proceeds will go towards a Felix approved charity.” – TPE Statement
The 2024 Felix and Bolt calendar will be available later this week and advertised on the Felix and Bolt Facebook page. Since the announcement of Felix’s passing, thousands of well-wishers, fans and commuters have already left messages of condolences as they collectively mourn the loss of the famous feline Felix.
Angie Hunte, Huddersfield Station Manager for TransPennine Express:
“We understand that many people will want to honour Felix’s memory, we kindly encourage those wishing to fundraise or donate to consider buying the latest 2024 Felix and Bolt annual calendar instead.”
Felix’s passing is just one of several sad farewells in 2023 for train station pest controllers. In February Hector, of Redruth station, passed away aged 14. He had patrolled the platforms for a decade. 20-year-old Jess, who patrolled Andover Station for 13 years, passed away in October and in January ‘Paul Newman’, a Bengal cat who had become the unofficial face of Liverpool South Parkway station, passed away after 13-years of regular station visits.
