Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Why comic Bob’s feline better now
Comedian Bob Mortimer has told how his beloved moggies helped him fight his way back to health after life-saving heart surgery. The TV funnyman revealed their key role in his recovery as he prepared to present an award at the National Cat Awards to honour special felines.
Cats have a special place in Bob’s life, particularly since his pets helped calm his anxiety while he recovered at home from a triple heart bypass in 2015.
“You go through a period where you just want to be at home, sitting with the cat on your lap, when you’re feeling vulnerable,” he said. “Cats are very much part of a home.”
Bob, a longtime supporter of the Cats’ Protection League, will be presenting the Outstanding Rescue Cat award at the ceremony, which will take place at London’s Savoy theatre on August 2.
The Would I Lie To You panellist has two chocolate and tabby oriental cats named Mavis and Goodmonston in his Middlesbrough home.
This domestic cat is a thin, large-eared breed, similar to Siamese cats.
But Bob says despite the adage that owners look like his pets, he does not resemble his feline friends at all – in character or in looks. “You chose the cats with the personality you think you have, and I like them because they’re classy and really good looking,” said Bob, 59. “But I’m a fat, old bloke now, not like the skinny, slender and pointy-eared orientals.”
Bob – one half of comedy duo Vic and Bob with Vic Reeves – will celebrate cats and their owners at the awards.
Last year a caring puss named Genie was crowned top cat after helping schoolgirl Evie Henderson battle bone cancer.
Three rescue cats are up for the award Bob will present this year.
The finalists are ex-stray Sox, who helps patients with serious brain injuries in Putney, south London, deaf cat Florence who has brought comfort to a community since being adopted by Rev Christine French in Ilkeston, Derbys, and Lucky, the kitten abandoned in a London car park who gave cancer patient Travis Tremayne the will to keep on fighting to live.
Bob said: “Although rescue cats are sometimes difficult to take on, from that tough situation come some lovely stories – cats that have got a life, and owners who have found them to be the best companions they could have ever wished for. They appreciate that care a bit more.”