Helensburgh’s most famous feline has passed away - just months after his beloved owner.
George the Helensburgh Cat - famous for being a moggy-about-town - died last week after developing kidney issues.
His much-loved owner Dennis Royal passed away in June at the age of 92, with George still a regular visitor whilst Dennis was a resident at Argyll Care Home.
Dennis’ daughter Jackie Hood said: “My dad died at the end of June and four days later my mum had a stroke.
“She got out of hospital four weeks ago but it is still very early days. George has been staying with us since dad died and we have all become even more attached to him. It’s just so sad. Poor old man. He was very frail at the end.”
The Lennox told in 2019 how George shot to online fame for his mischievous antics.
He liked to attend Sunday mass, wander around Tesco as well as trying to get further afield by hopping on and off local transport.
More than 4000 people followed the tabby’s misadventures on his dedicated Facebook page – George the Helensburgh Cat – which was initially established to keep his baffled family informed on his whereabouts.
The intrepid tabby came from the Cats Protection League in Paisley where he was fostered for two years before he settled in East Princes Street with Dennis and wife Elizabeth.
And his fans were quick to pay tribute to George on Facebook, with more than 400 sympathetic comments left.
Melinda Rector said: “All of our love, George - thank you for being so fabulous and making us smile and laugh at your antics. And for reminding us that life is meant to be lived fully with adventures galore! You will not be forgotten.”
Anne M Bernard posted: “Gorgeous, gregarious, gutsy hearted, good looking, gracious, genial, there are so many words beginning with G to describe George.
“I am sure that there were a lot of cats who were given an extra heartfelt hug when the news of George’s passing was known.
“A huge thank you to Dennis, Elizabeth and Jackie for sharing George with us.
“I am hugely grateful that I was lucky to meet George a few times.
“He always had time to paws and have a chat with you and was happy to have a cuddle. He was just a purrfectly gorgeous character and will be missed by so many.”
