Mystery of the Bob the Cat cafe that fans raised £160,000 to help start but has failed to open its doors nearly 18 months on

James Bowen told of how stray cat called Bob rescued him from addiction
After book was published fans raised money to help him open a cat cafe
But 18 months later nothing has happened despite promise back in 2015

Published: 00:10 GMT, 7 November 2016 | Updated: 08:27 GMT, 7 November 2016

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The heartwarming tale of how the love of a stray cat called Bob rescued a Big Issue seller from drug addiction and homelessness has sold millions of books, and has been made into a new film.

But there’s one tale Bob’s owner, James Bowen, hasn’t written about – the mystery of what has happened to £162,000 given by fans so he could open a ‘cat cafe’.

Despite promising the haven for cats and cat lovers back in 2015, more than 18 months later nothing has happened.

The tale of how the love of a stray cat called Bob rescued a Big Issue seller from drug addiction and homelessness has sold millions of books, and has been made into a new film

Only last night did a spokesman for Bowen admit the venture may never open at all – with generous donors not getting their money back, whatever happens.

Bowen, 37, had been sleeping rough for a decade and was addicted to heroin when he found a stray cat. He claimed caring for the creature helped him to turn his life around.

He became well-known in London’s Covent Garden, where he sold the Big Issue, and busked while Bob stood on his shoulders.

In 2012 he produced his first book, A Street Cat Named Bob, with the help of a professional writer and millions of copies were snapped up.

But there’s one tale Bob’s owner, James Bowen, hasn’t written about – the mystery of what has happened to £162,000 given by fans so he could open a ‘cat cafe’

Six more books followed, and the film – A Street Cat Named Bob – premiered last week, and is earning Bowen even more money.

Throughout his rise to fame Bowen has been keen to broadcast his desire to help other homeless cats.

He decided a cafe for cats and cat-lovers was the answer, so used an online ‘crowdfunding’ page to appeal for donors.

He also set up a limited company for the cafe, with himself as the sole shareholder.

He told fans: ‘Not only will the cafe be a safe place for people and abused or unwanted cats, but some of the proceeds will go towards The Big Issue Foundations and a book charity.

‘I want to continue being able to help less fortunate people, but it is not something I can do alone.’

Cash poured in, as Bowen made pleas on social media, illustrated with pictures of cuddly Bob giving a ‘high five’ with a paw.

When the fundraising drive officially closed in April 2015 the £150,000 target was smashed, with a total of £162,622 donated.

Donors were told the fitting out of the cafe was due to begin within three months, and it would open, complete with up to ten cats, ‘by November 2015-January 2016’.

Despite promising the haven for cats and cat lovers back in 2015, more than 18 months later nothing has happened

But there has been no further news on the fundraising page, which warned donors from the start that those who asked for their money back if the campaign failed would be told ‘No’, as the cash would go to other charities.

Last night, Bowen declined to comment, but a hired spokesman admitted no site had been found, and that the cafe may be scrapped when he finishes a global tour promoting the film and his books.

The £162,000 donated for the café, according to the spokesman, has partly been spent on the fundraising drive, while the remainder is ‘sitting in an account run by an accountant’.

He added: ‘The whole thing has been put on hold until the New Year.

‘He thought the cat cafe was a wonderful idea, but he’s not Richard Branson – the only job he’s had apart from writing his books has been selling the Big Issue.’