Stourbridge Town Cat Leo, a ginger and white tom cat whose wanderings around the town centre made him a local celebrity, has died after being hit by a car. His owner, Kaitlyn Bustin, confirmed that Leo had to be put to sleep following the incident on Birmingham Street on Wednesday, October 7.
A beloved local character
Leo had built up a significant social media following, with fans sharing pictures and memories of him on his Facebook page following the news of his death. He was regularly spotted mingling in The Ryemarket shopping centre, Greggs, the Cats Protection shop, TH Baker, Crystal Leisure Centre, and was popular with students at King Edward VI College, which he often frequented.
His escapades even led him to pop into Stourbridge Scare Maze and feature on a mural at King Ed's College by artist Stacy Hammond, alongside the town's other popular ginger tom, George The Station Cat.
Owner's heartbreak
Kaitlyn Bustin, aged 22, who lives on Stepping Stones, expressed her devastation: "Unfortunately, on Wednesday afternoon, I received the phone call we had all been dreading... Leo has crossed the rainbow bridge."
She explained the difficult decision she faced: "I tried every possible way to keep him with me, but unfortunately, as a single mum to two boys, I couldn’t afford the operations he would have needed. It breaks my heart, but the only option I had was to let him go peacefully."
She added: "I hope one day people will understand that I did what I thought was best for him, even though it was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. Rest easy, my ginger boy. You were loved, and you always will be."
Fans pay tribute
Kaitlyn, who has two other cats named Bingo and Simba, said Leo, who was around two or three years old, was often picked up by people. He was once taken to Birmingham by a woman, but as she said, "he was a wanderer and I just couldn't keep him in." After being hit, he was taken to the vets, who then called Kaitlyn.
People reacted with sadness at Leo's passing. One person said: "Oh no. Such sad news. He has certainly left his mark on the town. He knew nothing but love and lived his life freely. Sending you and your family lots of love and hugs. Fly high at the Rainbow Bridge Leo. You can wander amongst the clouds now."
Another said: "Absolutely gutted had 6 hours with him on Tuesday and then he was in before I got to work on Wednesday...wandered why we hadn't seen him ...rest easy beautiful boy glad to have spent some precious time with you."
A third person commented: "So sorry to hear this. Leo was a little regular at our scare maze when we were building it this year. Rest In Peace Leo, will miss seeing you around."
