Oxford Library Cat Commutes By Bus to Comfort Students

A cat named Issy rides the Oxford bus to his job as an emotional support librarian, and students say he's exactly what they need during tough times.

Isambard Kitten Brunel, a fluffy Siberian forest cat, commutes daily to Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University with his owner Jamie Fishwick-Ford. Jamie works as a librarian at the college and started bringing Issy to work in 2019 when he was just a kitten.

The six-year-old cat spends most days relaxing in Jamie's office, emerging when students need attention or a gentle purr. He's particularly skilled at sensing when someone is upset.

"He's always very friendly and calm, but he's even more so when someone is upset or crying," Jamie said. "He's had several people come to him in tears after they've accidentally deleted their dissertations."

The college previously allowed dogs at work because two medieval hunting dogs appear on its coat of arms. Jamie preferred cats and asked if the policy could extend to her feline friend.

Issy travels on a leash or perched on Jamie's shoulders. On the bus, he expects attention from fellow passengers and will meow if people ignore him.

Sunny's Take

Students who miss their pets back home have found an unexpected source of comfort in this long-haired library companion. "It can be really tough being away from home for the first time and away from pets you've known all your life," Jamie explained. "It's a lot easier to phone up your parents if you miss them than to phone up your cats."

Issy has earned such a loyal following that other Oxford colleges sometimes request visits from the famous library cat. He's appeared on college outreach stickers and become a genuine part of campus life.

For homesick students facing the pressure of university life, a few minutes with Issy offers something simple but powerful: the reminder that comfort sometimes comes in small, furry packages.