The cat who helped its owner beat homelessness and addiction

Who are these two cool cats?

This is James Bowen and Bob. Mr Bowen credits the ginger cat with aiding him in his recovery from homelessness and drug addiction. The story of their unlikely bond is being made into a big-budget film, it has been announced.

How did they meet?

Mr Bowen discovered the stray outside his sheltered accommodation in 2007. He was limping after being attacked by another animal. Bob had recovered after two weeks but when Mr Bowen opened the front door to send him on his way, he refused to go.

Sounds like the start of something beautiful…

Mr Bowen made a living selling the Big Issue magazine and busking. In 2010, a local reporter spotted him outside London’s Angel Tube station, accompanied by Bob. “He’s a wonderful loyal friend,” the 26-year-old then told The Islington Tribune.

And their income increased exponentially too…

A literary agent read the article and urged Mr Bowen to write a book. A Street Cat Named Bob, published in 2012, propelled him to literary stardom. It has sold more than one million copies in the UK alone and has been translated into 30 languages. A further five books have followed.

So now Bob is ready for his close-up?

Filming for the big-screen adaptation of the first book is due to begin in October. The screenplay has been adapted by the British writer Tim John, and Roger Spottiswoode, whose credits include Tomorrow Never Dies, will direct the film.

More: This dog's owners travelled through eight countries to save his life