A cute ginger cat has amassed a fan base of over 4,500 people on Facebook, establishing a hospital as his second home in the last five years.
Henry is now a regular image to staff and patients of Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Patients claimed to have been calmed by his presence, and staff members reported feeling “calmed” with his cuddles at the end of shifts.
The hospital claimed Henry was a “character”; however, they urged everyone not to lure him into the hospital.
The photos of the gorgeous cat have spawned a Facebook page that aims to ” boost the spirit of the entire Addenbrooke’s.”
Henry is seven and has been visiting the Cambridge hospital for several years
Two sisters of Jo Stranix met Henry when they visited for a visit with their dad, who had been at Addenbrooke’s hospital for several months.
They were not able to meet the man due to the Covid-19 visitor limitations.
“We were not sure whether this would end up being the last time that they’d be able to see him alive,” she said.
The visit was challenging; however, Henry was present when they went home.
“They said to me that at the moment, he brought us all a smile’. I was so grateful to the cat that I’d never seen for being there to help my sisters in a small way that I was unable to.”
Henry was described as “a beautiful ginger hero” by one regular visitor to the hospital
A parent whose son was 14 years old and was diagnosed with leukemia for several years told me: “Henry really does bring happiness to staff and patients alike.
“You are sure it will be a wonderful day when you meet Henry.”
A worker claimed that Henry seven had helped her “massively in the initial phase in Covid.”
“Seeing Henry’s floppy, gingerly-colored smile after his day was relaxing. It’s difficult to describe it properly.”
Another participant said: “When I’ve had a difficult day, and I look up Henry, and I try to make him a call, his tail pops out, and he scurries over for the cheek rub. Henry is a big, bright sparkle of happiness.”
Henry’s owner, who asked to remain anonymous, claimed Henry had a home with love close to home.
They were aware that he was “exploring” through social media.
Security team member Aleks captioned this photo: “Just chillin'”
“I tried to get him back, but it was never longer than a couple of weeks,” the owner said.
“It’s amazing to see him making lots of people happy – even if he only helps one person, then this is more than most cats can do.”
Aleks, who is part of the hospital’s security team, has encountered Henry several times during their time both watching the hospital.
“Only animals that support our patients are permitted inside the hospital. He explained that they need to be fitted with harnesses and fluorescent strips,” he explained.
“But Henry does a great job of putting an emoji on the face of a sad one in the morning or pulling out the smile of the teen in a wheelchair.”
He added that he’d been asked to remove Henry from the premises and stated: “There would be people who don’t like the fact when a cat roams through the hospital. However, most people are happy with Henry.”
“I don’t think you’re supposed to be in here, Henry”
Henry was also a source of inspiration for the hospital’s director of recruitment, Thalia Barnes, to draw an image of him to be displayed in an art exhibit at Addenbrooke’s called The Best of Us.
“He is a wonderful sense of healing and companionship to everyone touched through his presence,” She said.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such a beautiful animal. It’s not just an animal but an integral part of the hospital trust family.”
A photograph inspired artist and hospital staff member Thalia Barnes to paint a picture of the cat
The Cambridge University Hospitals spokesperson said: “Henry the cat is very charming and has found a spot within the heart of the majority of our patients and staff.
“However, in the interest of infection control, there are no other animals than Pets. Therapy dogs and guide dogs are permitted in the hospital, so don’t lure him into the hospital’s concourse by offering snacks or other foods as they are not good for his health.”
