I first met “the cat”, in the days of black and white. He was like any normal cat, although he was different in the respect that he had no owner as such. You could say that no cats have owners and are creatures that rule themselves but when I say “the cat” had no owners I mean it thusly. “the cat” lived on the railway and was fed and watered by the good nature of the railway people, no one took him home ( he would have scratched and bitten if they had tried) and no one loved him as such. Although people did pet him occasionally, and “the cat” was most grateful.
“The cat” would wonder into the mess room and would then sit and survey the scene.
“Not unlike some of the Drivers or Guards I have known”
“The cat” would look out for the “weakest link” the one that he thought would be the most useful to him at that time. After spotting the victim “the cat” would then cut along and mew at the victim’s feet, the victim would then usually bend down and pet “the cat” and “the cat” knowing he was on a winner would purr a little and depending on his hunger or his comfort would either beg for titbits or would jump up and curl up in the lap of the unsuspecting victim (a nice bit of warmth).
At our depot “the cat” was the most well fed and healthy of all British Rail employees, me and my mate Gary would often enter into conversation as to whether he, (the cat), would be selected before us for the driving school.
As far as I know “the cat” was never passed on diesels although I have seen him sitting in the driving seat of some 45s but never in the seat of a multiple unit, (“the cat” was intelligent).
Jim Hardcastle new “the cat” and was often known to say “if “the cat” comes on my engine, I will throw the little bugger in the fire box, mice or no mice, I cant abide the furry little ficker”
And of course “the cat” being very self preserving and wanting to continue to live and live happily, gave the great J. H a wide birth, although there is a story to tell.
“The cat” of course did sign steam engines and was known to be found asleep in the fireboxes of most types.
It was not unknown to sling some wood and firelighters into the fireboxes only to here “the cat” shout out “meeeeooooow” meaning “watch out you bugger I was a kipping in there”.
“The cat” is still there now at most depots and perhaps he should be recognised for the work he does. Keeping the wildlife to a minimum and keeping the Driver community on its toes.
