Statue is 'purr-fect' tribute to our Campus Cat

Students and staff at the University of Essex went cat crazy to celebrate a very special feline – Pebbles the Campus Cat. In fact, the Essex community loves him so much a special statue was unveiled in his honour at the heart of the Colchester Campus as part of the first Campus Cat Day.

The Students’ Union arranged the 'purr-fect' way to celebrate Pebbles, with March 5 now dedicated to the much-loved puss who has lived at the University for just over 14 years. 

Pebbles is loved by students and staff alike. A permanent member of the community, Pebbles has student status, his own range of merchandise, and can often be seen around campus.

• Read the amazing story of Pebbles the cat on our Sixty Stories pages

Campus Cat Day is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and included Pebbles-themed stalls plus the unveiling of the bronze statue by Dr Sarah Perry, the Chancellor of the University.

Hundreds of staff and students gathered to see the revealing of the statue, which was created by acclaimed animal sculptor Gill Parker. The bronze version of Pebbles now stands proud on a plinth between Square 3 and Square 4 on the Campus. A location which hundreds of students pass every day.

Campus Cat Day, and the statue, were the brainchild of Essex Students’ Union who have now been keeping an eye on Pebbles for over 14 years.

Chancellor Sarah Perry said: “He is a consolation and surprise and a pleasure to anyone who crosses his path, and it is of course only natural that so wise and welcoming a cat should have chosen Essex as his place of residents – and it is only natural that he has become an international sensation.”

Essex SU Chief Executive, Craig Stephens, who is also Pebbles’ registered owner, said: “Pebbles has brought a lot of joy to people’s lives, and a lot of students have taken comfort with having him here. He’s a great cat around campus and staff love him too, especially when he spends time with them in their offices. 

“He’s well-loved and it’s right that we’re having a campus cat appreciation day for him. The day is all about having a celebration – and whatever people’s reason for taking part today, Pebbles is bringing people together to have some fun.”  

President of the Student’s Union Kieran Phillips said: “Pebbles is a one-of-a-kind cat who has chosen the University of Essex as his home and students have benefited from his presence ever since. Whilst he is ultimately the responsibility of the Students’ Union, every student takes pride in ensuring he is healthy and well looked after and the statue reaffirms the position he has within our Essex community."

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster, said: “The sculpture on our Colchester Campus will be a delight to everyone who has known him and will be a lasting memory of Campus Cat for future staff and students.

“Pebbles chose to live with us many years ago and each day he brings joy and happiness by being amongst us.”

Since the furry black and white feline came to live on the Campus – by choice – when he was just two years old, he has created quite a stir. He has many followers, both in-person and online, and is a welcome member of the community.

To recognise this positive impact, Essex SU has declared 5 March as Campus Cat Day and plans to make the celebration an annual event.

From midday until midnight, the day was jam-packed with all things cat-related, including a poetry and photography competition, themed cocktails and hot drinks, craft events and more.

The line-up included: 

• Pebbles for Pebbles on Square 3 (make your own Pebble for Pebbles!)

• Campus Cat-tails in SU Bar 

• Exclusive Cat-uccino in The Kitchen  

• Exclusive Campus Cat merchandise in Everything Essex 

• Launch of the Campus Cat Welfare Fund