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Baby Hendrix
Nathan and his partner got Hendrix when he was just a tiny kitten, naming him after the legendary Jimi Hendrix. While his mother was a domestic cat, Hendrix’s father was wild, and it’s clear the adventurous kitty took after his dad!
Hendrix the metro cat
While Hendrix became known as the coastal cat of Saltburn, the feline’s exploits began in Whitley Bay, where he was known as the metro cat. The adventurous tabby would often be seen riding the metro or even hitching a ride on the bus! The commuters just loved him and would happily take some time to stroke or cuddle the friendly feline.
Hendrix the seaside cat
When Hendrix and his family moved to Saltburn, the adventurous boy quickly made plenty of friends, visiting cafés, shops and hotels, and greeting both locals and tourists alike. Nearly every day, he would visit the Saltburn Pier arcade where he would enjoy being fussed over by the owners and the many visitors. Even during COVID, when businesses were closed, Hendrix still sought out his human friends, cheerfully crashing an outdoor yoga class in Saltburn Valley Gardens, much to the amusement of the participants!
Hendrix’s silly antics
While the mischievous feline never truly stepped out of line, he did have a few run-ins with the police. On one occasion, he lay in the middle of the road, stubbornly refusing to move, while on another, officers kept an eye on him as he was caught ‘eying-up’ a man’s pet eagle. And then there was this time where he accidentally got locked up in a store after closing time and the owner had to be called to free him. Oops!
Saying goodbye
In the last few years of his life, the famous Saltburn cat lived a quieter life. Much to his dismay, Hendrix was placed under house arrest, as he required special food and medication after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
On September 2, 2024, Hendrix passed away surrounded by his family. The sweet tabby boy was just a month away from turning 13 years old. His loss was deeply felt, with tributes pouring in from locals as well as fans far beyond Saltburn. Hendrix had brought so much joy to the community, that locals encouraged Hendrix’s humans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to have a bronze statue created in his honor, ensuring the local feline hero would continue to bring smiles to the faces of everyone passing by.
The statue unveiled
In no time, the community raised the £4,000 needed to fund a bronze statue of Hendrix, masterfully crafted by renowned cat sculptor Peter Close. The statue was unveiled on June 11, 2025, during a heartfelt ceremony attended by over 150 people. Several officials, including the mayor, gave short speeches, remembering Hendrix as the amazing cat he was and celebrating the joy he brought to Saltburn.
Follow Hendrix on social media
Would you like to visit Hendrix’s statue or give it a pat on the head? You can find the charming memorial on Saltburn’s lower promenade, right next to the amusements on the pier. Saltburn-by-the-sea, which is the full name of the charming seaside town is located in North Yorkshire, England, UK.
