Nearly ten years ago, an apparently stray cat who was skinny, cold, and hungry, turned up at Northern's train depot at Blackpool North in Lancashire.
The staff at the depot took pity on the cat, took him in, and named him Max. He must have liked his new home, and as the word spread a second cat chose to make the depot its home, after he was also apparently abandoned. The staff named Max's mate Ginge.
Max and Ginge now look upon the depot as their home, and when they're not sleeping in the mess room or demanding treats, they are supervising staff as they go about their work.
Staff have even built a cosy wooden house for them outside the depot, but quite understandably the pair seem to prefer hanging about indoors.
Next Sunday, 29 October, is National Cat Day, so Northern has decided to show off some photos of the lucky pussies at their new home inside Northern's Blackpool depot.
Max and Ginge aren't the only cats that have made their homes on Northern's premises, as cats named Felix and Bolt are familiar sights at Northern's Huddersfield station. Their fame has spread further as a author Kate Moore wrote a book about him titled Felix the Railway Cat.
Simon Crabtree, production delivery manager at Northern, said: “The team love Max and Ginge and are proud to take care of them – and they all chip in to pay for the vet bills and food.
“Because the depot operates 24 hours a day, there's always someone around to make a fuss of them – and they're great company for us.
“They are important members of our team here at the depot.”
What a lovely story, cheered me up no end, especially as one of our cats (Teddy) has gone missing since last Friday. Well done you guys 😻
Its so nice to here a story like this. My husband and my self are animal lovers we have just taken in a stray cat. Its sad so many cats are dumped left to fend for themselves.
You are kind people doing a great job.
Wishing you all the very best. 😍
Thanks for taking the time to care for these lovely 2 cats, they will give you hrs of fun and love.
You’re kind people
Glad to hear about railway strays being loved. From George at Stourbridge Junctio to the beloved late Jess at Andover railway station cats have often provided much joy for commuters.
Thanks for looking after these two lovely boys. Your kindness has restored my faith in human kindness. As a cat lover and owner these two will give you undevoted, unconditional love for ever. Good on you guys!
This is the nicest story I’ve read this week. With all the bad news making the headlines, it’s heartwarming to read about such kindness. This story won’t make national headlines but it will bring a little bit of joy to so many that read it.
This is great, but I am confused that they are standing in front of f a Paxer train, withdrawn some years ago. Someone please explain!
It’s just the fibreglass front – the brick wall is a clue!
So so kind guys. I love reading stories like this. I hate when people dump cats and kittens instead of taking them to a rescue centre. These guys have opened their hearts to Max and Ginge. Cats are so loving and just want a nice warm loving place to live with lots of cuddles. Hats off to everyone who rescue animals There are lovely people in the world
Thankyou for caring for these little ones I wish their were more kind people like yourselves
Many thanks to you cool guys.
That’s great 🐈 are l lovely animals they are more intelligent than people realise. They will be so loving to these guys and they do understand they do own you and love warmth and fuss.I took in a stray and he is great .People think they should be fed then put out both day and night they don’t .Thanks to all you guys for caring.x
It’s in the best traditions for cats to be employed by railways. Derby works used to have several who all had collars with their wage number, name and Midland Railway Company. Top job Northern keep it up!
Well done to all who look after the cats.
What kind lovely staff. It’s nice to hear a story like this.
You never own a cat, the cat own’s you, that’s how I have become owned by all my cats. When you go around visiting companies you will often see what could be best described as working cats, often seen patrolling warehouses and offices keeping rodents ay bay, or even in the offices on meet and greet duties.
This morning we saw a working cat on security duties at a plant hire yard, who would not let any one out until he was happy with you.
Last night at a local supermarket, the local meet and greet cat ‘Russell’ opted to take the short cut between the two entrances as it was raining and was shouted at by security, Russel just flicked it’s tall at him and carried on walking to the other entrance, where it took up it’s normal spot to meet and greet customers, most of which knew him and gave him a stroke.
wonderful people thankyou
What a great story, cats and railways go hand in paw!
Fabulous 😍😍😍😍
If these caring guys can open their hearts and wallets to 2 stray cats who depend on their love and devotion ,then hopefully many more can,especially where so many animals are being dumped….I take my hat off to the whole team and wish them the best.x