Bouncer’s Death Moves Fans

James May has received a wave of support from fans and familiar public figures after announcing the death of his beloved cat, Bouncer.

The former The Grand Tour presenter, 63, shared the news on Saturday, revealing that Bouncer had been part of his household for 13 years. May marked the loss with a characteristically dry but deeply affectionate tribute on X, writing: “My mate Bouncer died yesterday. He'd lived with us for 13 years as a furry, purring, permanently migrating ornament.”

The post was accompanied by a photo from the day May first adopted Bouncer from an animal shelter, adding a personal note to a message that quickly resonated with pet owners among his followers.

May, best known for his long-running screen partnership with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond on Top Gear and later The Grand Tour, has often brought his understated humour into moments that would otherwise feel entirely private. His tribute to Bouncer struck a similar balance, mixing grief with the self-deprecating wit that has made him a familiar figure to British television audiences.

Among those responding was historian Katja Hoyer, who offered sympathy while recalling the death of her own cat, Harry. Jeremy Vine regular and political commentator Narinder Kaur also sent her condolences, while the parody X account for Larry, Downing Street’s famous cat, joined the messages of support.

Fans echoed the sentiment, with many sharing their own experiences of losing cats and dogs. Several noted how unexpectedly intense the grief can be when a pet dies, especially after years of daily companionship.

Bouncer was not the first feline companion to become part of May’s public life. During his Top Gear years, the presenter spoke about his cat Fusker, and he was also known to have owned another cat, Fluff. May previously said Fluff’s sudden death from an embolism had affected him deeply, describing the loss as particularly painful.

The presenter did not disclose Bouncer’s cause of death.

May’s announcement comes after the end of The Grand Tour era with Clarkson and Hammond, a partnership shaped behind the scenes for years by producer Andy Wilman. While the trio’s motoring adventures made May a television fixture, his latest post showed another side of that public affection: a quieter, more personal connection with viewers who have followed him far beyond the studio and the road.