University of Essex campus cat Pebbles dies after 17 years

Pebbles, a black-and-white cat who served as a fixture of the University of Essex’s Colchester campus for 17 years, has died following a short illness. Originally a stray that appeared on campus in 2010, the cat became a well-known figure among students, staff, and alumni.

Pebbles was known for wandering through campus squares, appearing in lectures, and napping in the library. In his final two years, he lived with Craig Stephens, the chief executive officer of the Essex Students’ Union, after retiring from active campus life.

Mina Comez, president of the Essex Students’ Union, noted that Pebbles was “so much more than a campus cat” and was a familiar presence for generations of students.