A shopping centre cat described as a “Legend of Colwyn Bay” has died – leaving locals devastated. Budbud was a regular sight for years at the car park of the Bay View centre in the seaside town.
‘Bud of the Bay View’ was loved by shoppers – often found in a discarded cardboard box or perched on the Home Bargains plant trolleys. He was given treats by people shopping and his celebrity status meant lots of selfies with his fans.
A Facebook page Bud of the Bay View had more than 5,000 members and people followed his progress from across the globe. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
He did have a best mate – Sparky, who spent his days with Budbud. But he sadly died in 2023 after being hit by a car.
Now Bud’s owner Emma Skillen, who lives close to the Bay View, has posted that Budbud – who was 17 years old – has had to be put down.
Chris Hawkins-Lewis said: “This is very sad news. He was a legend of the Bay.”
Black-and-white Sparky with his best mate Budbud at the entrance to the Bay View Shopping Centre -Credit:Andrea Pereira
A Gofundme has been started to raise money to help pay for his final costs and there are plans for a memorial plaque to be erected at the shopping centre. The fundraiser has already raised more than £400.
Emma posted on the Facebook group: “Was sat here deciding the best way to write this post and there isn’t. Sadly, we lost Budbud yesterday at 12.30pm and one of the most heartbreaking things I’ve ever done and especially Budbud due to him being the local celebrity and was loved by so many people!
“He went with dignity and class as he’ll always be my number 1 ‘Ginger Ninja’ but he wasn’t going to get better and was sadly losing his battle with the big ‘C’ ~ he even purred even right to the end, he had the best diesel engine purr and daftest meow.
“He has been cremated at the Pet Funeral services in Holywell and have been fantastic, and will be picking him up asap. He will be coming home to where he belongs as well as the Bay View Centre.
Budbud of the Bay View was always seen around the doors of the Bay View, outside Home Bargains -Credit:Chris Hawkins-Lewis
“The vets have also taken his paw and nose prints for us and will be sending those to us too.
“I was so dreading the day to put this post up about the sad news of his passing, but he’s at rest and not in pain anymore and he knew he was well loved by everyone and so glad that he had so much love, fuss from everyone that visited him at his favourite place in the last six years and made lots of people smile too.”
She added: “He’s sadly gonna be missed and can’t wait to get him home shortly, so sorry to be the bearer of the sad news today ~ much love everyone and thank you so much for giving so much love and fuss everyday to precious Budbud. There will be only one Budbud.”
Her post attracted more than 1,000 likes and nearly 500 messages of tribute and support.
One said: “So very sorry to hear this, that darling cat has cheered me up on many an occasion. The Bay View will never be the same without Bud sat outside. Bud bought people together in their conversation about him, stroking him and giving him cuddles. I’ve seen people with mental illness (me included) stop and talk to him and that has made their day. Such a very special cat and I do hope the plaque goes ahead, sending you so much love and THANK YOU for sharing your special boy with us all.”
Another added: “Always brought a smile to my face as he did for many, many others. Popping to the shops for supplies will never be the same again. Sleep tight little fella.”
