A cat who was abandoned with his mum and littermates in a bin bag and dumped on the roadside has become a TV celebrity on Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes - a programme about life living on a narrowboat.
Hugo, a black and white male cat was rescued by the RSPCA 15 years ago after being abandoned alongside his mum and littermates, in a bin bag. He was taken in by the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham who cared for him before he was adopted by his now owner Andy Hamblin.
Credit: RSPCA
Andy said: “When I saw Hugo’s story, it was so sad that I knew I had to adopt him. I visited Millbrook and 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!”
Around three years ago, Andy and Hugo moved onto a narrowboat where Hugo has his own porthole cat flap and a special cat ladder to get on and off of the boat. Hugo has become a local celebrity with many passers-by stopping to take a picture of him coming out of his cat flap or sunbathing on top of the boat.
Credit: RSPCA
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.
“I think he’s going to be an absolute star - from a rescued kitten to a TV celebrity! I’d like to raise funds for the RSPCA to give something back to the charity that cared for him as a kitten. Over the last few years so many people have taken photos of the cat flap or Hugo chilling out on top of the boat and so I’m going to have a collection tin so people can donate to the RSPCA when they take a photo.”
Andy is a continuous cruiser but he mostly spends time in the Nantwich area in Cheshire as well as Ellesmere in Shropshire. Most of the filming for Narrow Escapes followed them on a 130 mile journey from the Ashby canal to Llangollen canal in Shropshire.
Life on a narrowboat may sound different for a cat but Andy made sure to introduce this to Hugo slowly and steadily and now he says his pet loves the canal lifestyle.
He said: “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. He has his own little ladder at the back just in case he comes off so he can get himself back up but he has never needed it. He also has a porthole cat flap which switches sides and I can close it when we’re moving. This means he can come and go as he pleases but we’ve got such a close bond that he won’t go far and within an hour he’s back at the boat. 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.”
Credit: RSPCA
Filming with animals requires careful planning and consideration to ensure their welfare is not adversely impacted. Sarah explained that Hugo was given plenty of rest and the opportunity to take himself out for some chill time under a shady hedge on the towpath if he decided he didn't want to be around the crew.
She added: “Lots of people who live on narrowboats have pets and we are delighted to be featuring Hugo (and Andy of course!) on Narrow Escapes - we hope lots of people will tune in to find out all about this intrepid feline and follow their adventures.”
Andy and Hugo featured on Narrow Escapes from Monday 19 May on Channel 4 at 4pm.