Harriet The Beach Cat

On the 22nd May 2018, a one-eyed stray cat came walking up to us on Eleni beach on the Greek island of Skiathos. What happened over the next 12 months changed both my life and hers. This is the most personal film I have made since the documentary about my dad 4 years ago.
I had previously uploaded a version Harriet's Story to KZbin, this new version expands upon the first few days that we knew her. The 2nd half is now no longer a montage with captions but a fully scripted part of the film and has been opened up to include much more of the challenges we both faced.
This film contains some clips from "The Skiathos Kittens" series. See them all and the award winning "The Skiathos Cats" at • The Skiathos Cats
There is also now a children's book about Harriet available on Amazon. All proceeds go to the charity The Skiathos Cat Welfare Association. You can see a longer version of me reading to Harriet here: • Harriet The Beach Cat:...
UK link: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1098963644
US link: www.amazon.com/dp/1098963644/...

[@philipbloom]

My follow up film "Charmolipi" features beautiful Severus heavily. It will bring tears to your eyes though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn-sapqPg9OneK8 Don't worry she is fine, you call follow her adventures on her Instagram here: instagram.com/severus_the_beach_cat

[@Subfightr]

Oh goodness.... I'm afraid to click BUUUUT *click*

[@kristiekeith1191]

Kids like that grow up to be serial killers.

[@philipbloom]

@@kristiekeith1191 not sure about that because it’s not the kid being a psycho but the way he has been brought up. Many countries in the Mediterranean think of cats differently to us. There needs to be a lot more education.

[@kristiekeith1191]

Phillip, I was a social worker for 27 years. I saw kids who became out of control. Parents need to nip that behavior at the beginning.

[@youngraines851]

It is so SICKENING that parents do not discipline that monster of a child. Thank GOD you were there to save "Severus" from that kid & hopefully the volunteers/charity will continue to monitor the welfare of the cat colony at that beach. TKU - Harriet is safe in England. We enjoy your cat family very much.

[@OneManFiveCats]

Sevvy is doing well, she and the others are visited every day by the English volunteer who has been out there since before the pandemic locked down the island. Sevvy is the star of my last film from Skiathos. It’s an emotional one though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn-sapqPg9OneK8

[@lauradent5420]

(1) The majority of serial killers used to abuse animals in the past. True fact. Parents who see that kind of stuff should nip it in the bud. (2) If that idiot father didn't like cats (as evidenced by his comment), what the hell was he doing vacationing on that island? I agree with you that it was sickening.

[@Xxbubbly10]

The parents sounds even more monstrous

[@laurapearson3370]

Horrible parents, vile child

[@plasticseal2556]

"Curiosity killed the cat" what great parents...Jeezers I'm sure they are raising a fantastic kid there. I'm so glad you took in Harriet she's gorgeous. I immediately bought the book!

[@thecamerastoreguy1233]

We visited a koh lanta in Thailand and fell in love with a cat in an animal welfare organisation, 4 months later she arrived in south london, best decision we have ever made. This film made me shed a few tears.

[@kcojco]

❤️❤️ they really do choose us. My husband and I rented a small cottage while house hunting and three stray “community “ cats took a liking to us (I’m sure feeding them had nothing to do with it lol) when we finally moved and returned to the rental to clean three days later, there they were, sitting on the empty porch, waiting to be fed. We knew we couldn’t leave them there, pretty sure we were the only ones to feed them. Now we have eight cats lol

[@hannahsmith3672]

I'm not crying, you're crying..Thank you for sharing her story and so many others. ❤

[@OneManFiveCats]

She’s my girl. ❤️

[@BiologistRyan]

nothing more special than the love of a cat.

[@purplenightmare29]

I love this story! She definitely would not have lasted in the wild if her first eye surgery was not fully successful. Thank you for saving her life! 💜

[@jodaniels8097]

Beautiful baby enjoying her catio now 🫂 🤗

[@annagrace590]

"yes stay calm, oh look your even touching him. Just dont wallop him" I think was a hilarous moment in such a somber video. I think this was incredibly touching espcially knowing how this could be the story of anyones cat. This could have been my cat. How much it dearly broke my heart realising that tiny figured huddled under a beach chair as rain poured didnt live in paradise like it seemed. It still does thinking of all the others out there who didnt find such a amazing person to live with and who is so lovely. Cats say thank you in their own ways but as a person I'd like to thank you for bringing her into your lovely home.

[@lauries.4454]

Thank you SO MUCH for adopting Severus and Harriet. This video of Harriet had me in a moment of trauma, pleading for you to not leave her on the beach, when you needed to return to England. Thank you for taking her!!!! She is such a delightfully precious cat! She has made a wonderful housecat; she wanted so much to have a home with love, safety, and food/shelter. You are a hero!❤

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thank you. My beach girls are wonderful as are my other four ❤️

[@OneManFiveCats]

My film “Charmolipi” really shows my strong bond with Sevvy. It’s an easier earth knowing I have her now. 🙂

[@jais327]

One of my four I rescued when she was two and tiny , but from the moment I met her she became my soul mate . So hard to lose any but soul mates are hard to find.

[@kimkassy5817]

Oh my gosh what a story and I’m crying like a baby ! 🥴

[@sarahmoss4224]

I watched this with tears pouring down my eyes,I'm so glad you rescued beautiful Harriet and took her into your home 🥰. I have 2 oriental boys who I adore and recently went to Turkey. I visit twice a year and always feed the strays but know it's near impossible to take them home etc.This year a 5 month old scabby,scrawny but pregnant black cat/kitten attached herself to my heart and me to hers.I did everything in my power to bring her home and was willing to pay the money to rescue her.I had found a vet to spay her as she was too young to be having kittens really,they were going to test her ,give her all tests and shots too and after her spay I had someone to pick her up let her recoup and then arrange her transfer to UK,basically all I had to do was pay money...then I got a call from vets.She was heavily pregnant in fact the birth was imminent and obviously they couldn't spay her .I couldnt find anyone to board a pregnant cat no catteries like we have here or anyone to take on the kittens so I had to release her.I even asked hotel if they would find a quieter area so that I could pay just to have her and kittens spayed after kittens were weaned but they weren't interested at all.She went off and I didnt see her again before I left 4 days later.Im still heartbroken as I'm not sure if she died having the kittens or was scared .Who knows?Abroad in such countries they are looked on as vermin and they look at you like you're crazy making all this fuss over a mere cat or dog,it's so sad.Though alot of restaurants do feed street animals

[@Mia-lt6og]

When I saw your name I cliked...and cryed...this is sooo beautiful...thank you dear kind man. Your words, her eyes touched my soul.... I cliked because I also have 5 cats and one dog. Three months ago my cat died...so i couldn't live like this anymore....and i adopted a cat from a kindergarten. Like her, his eye was infected...fortunately now is better. But i can relate so much to your story...cuz i couldn't leave him there. It was snowing outside...he cuddled near my tummy when i crouched down...he was so cold and sick...so I took him. I believe my cat that i lost, would have wanted me to take care of him. I made this comment about myself and them...and sorry for that. But i wanted to tell you how much I appreciate and love this documentary. Please create more..it's beautiful and you are a great narator with a soothing voice...the quality of the photos and films are amazing....the songs..everything. Thank you for doing this much for the cats...i wish the world would have more people like you. Someday maybe. I would love also to buy your story...

[@ItsJustLisa]

I’m not crying, you’re crying. Philip, your compassion for your fur children is beyond measure. I’m so sorry about Noodle, but clearly she was blessed with a wonderful life in your care. I look forward to hearing about more of the adventures of your Fabulous Five. I loved hearing about all of your efforts to save Harriet’s life. I’m glad to say that it’s gotten me to subscribe to your channel. May you and of the fur children be well.

[@EricaHLjung]

When it's meant to be, it's meant to be.

[@mauiswift6391]

I love your videos! I do not understand why people have to be cruel to the innocent.

[@locomocochocotaco]

I'm so sad about severus who got bullied by the boy .. I wish that I could adopt all these beautiful kitties .. Severus stole my heart ..

[@philipbloom]

My follow up film features Severus as one of the two main cats. I do warn you there will be tears in it. You can follow Sevvy on Instagram at instagram.com/severus_the_beach_cat kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn-sapqPg9OneK8

[@locomocochocotaco]

@@philipbloom Oh, I definitely will, thank you ! I hope he gets adopted soon. Lovely lovely soul ♡

[@bookmouse2719]

I have a calico kitty named 7. My husband rescued her from the cruel world and it has been tough going getting her to get along with my other tiny Tabby Kichi. I liked watching cause Harriet reminds me of 7 a little....so cute. Love your videos :-)

[@mortus7591]

Thank you for this video you sir did my day, like you i was unable turn my back on one in need, basicly pregnant cat in labor asked me for help I did made her box with towel inside my house and from my 4 kitty squad in hour I was owner of 9 cheers

[@StrangeRhapsody]

Harriet is a darling! How lucky that you found each other. ❤

[@SRMkay]

I was thinking to myself, "Your video scripts are so engaging, surely you could write a book"... and sure enough, the story of Harriet in print!

[@elementary8963]

Finally found someone who loves cats more that I do.... and that's a lot.

[@manfredneugebauer7246]

Philip, nice that you have such a heart for these cats. We have taken in two strays ourselves.

[@ceced1417]

This is such an amazing story! Thank you for keeping Harriett and taking care of her. ❤

[@taniakrause9253]

This Video made me sad and happy at the same time.

[@LinkIsMine]

Anyone else bawl their eyes out like a baby during the entire video??? Philip, it's people like you that make this world worth living in knowing that people like you exist and care so much for amazing creatures that some humans deem unworthy of their time and attention, Harriet has a much better life now because of you and I can tell that she loves you just as much back

[@umairuchan3604]

It irks me people always forget the full quote. "Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back." How anyone can harm any living being is beyond me. It's truly heartless. I very much enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for bringing awareness, thank you to the volunteers at The Skiathos Cat Welfare Association, and just thank you for being who you are and sharing your love with all the cats you meet. I have learned so much from videos. I cannot thank you enough for all the time, attention, and care that you put into all of them (especially the tech reviews for cat products). Thank you for being you and for sharing with the world. 😭I feel so so blessed to have found your channel. I'm very excited for your catio series!! From - one woman with five cats.

[@Liierenify]

I cried :/. Thank you for taking her in

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

You brought me to tears with this video about Harriet. My life has been in complete turmoil since I broke my hip last August. When I finally conceded to go to a skilled nursing home for therapy and healing, I sent my cat to stay with a friend's mother. I'm out of the home after 100 days there, but haven't brought Sammi home yet. I keep hearing how wonderful she's doing and how well she's getting on with the mother's other two cats. I don't feel like it's fair to bring her back to this lonely home. I miss her terribly and after watching two hours of your videos, I hit subscribe and decided to ask for my cat back 😻. Thank you very much. H

[@SarahIlayda]

Thank you for your kindness and love towards them! Stray cats and dogs need so much attention and care that they do not get... I live in Turkey sadly we also have quite a lot of issues with violence towards strays, and we have a lot of them. This video made me cry and smile throughout, she is amazing.

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thank you. Harriet says thanks too :)

[@natureselement7588]

Can so relate I had a 20 yr old girl who sadly left out fam. She was one of my 4 rescued babies

[@jonajones530]

What a little darling. 🥰

[@darrinlalla9008]

What and awesome story... the best part is that it's true and people like you and your 5 friends exist! You deserve each other. Thank you for this great story!

[@herurishardana5618]

Good man, Mr. Bloom.

[@rl3977]

I’m buying Harriet’s book for my classroom. Wonderful story.

[@k1901kk]

Such a lucky cat. We also adopted a cat from Greece, much like your cat he's blind on one of his eyes but it's not removed yet. He has heart problems so we can't put him under unless he really needs to. His our most expensive cat, but he's worth every penny. My boyfriend is allergic to cats, and is really allergic to this one. But the love is strong, he sleeps with him in his arms and loves to give him kisses. At a great risk offcourse, but he say's it's all worth it. The cat need to go out, our catio is not good enough. So we had to buy a gps tracker with monthtly subscription, and he checks it like every five minutes to make sure the cat is ok and isn't wonder far. We love him dearly, same with our other two cats. A black one and one that was a little to old to be socialized so he only accept us. No other human is ever to pet him, he's still a scared cat but he is happy with us. I can't wait for future videos from you. They're very good made and interesting. You also have a good talking voice

[@Sheytopia]

Harriett has the tricolor attitude they all have :D I have a girl with the same colors and she is sassy as well. I don't think I could stay calm if I ever came across a child who hurts a cat in front of me. Parents present or not... this is outrageous! I'm glad he is safe now.

[@Hidabeh]

What a beautiful and touching movie @Philip Bloom! Thank you for helping these innocent little beautiful animals 🧡

[@rl3977]

I’m at cat mom of six. Five were rescues, one came to my front door needing love and he’s the chillest cat ever. I was so moved by your video and sweet Harriet. Cats are so special. Thank you for highlighting that fact.

[@sooze1969]

That is such a beautiful story. I have 2 siamesw cats and one farm cat and its interesting how different they are... Tjank you for sharing and for giving Harriet security and a home. 🙏😌😺

[@shirleywhite4081]

So sorry about loosing your beloved Noodle. I lost my kitty Sasha 19 years old almost 2 years ago. Time has healed the hurt but I still miss her so much. Thank you for saving so many!

[@Arnold_Floyd]

My condolence for your loss Shirley, Thanks for sharing. Hopefully your doing well over there ?

[@jeanmarc4157]

Princess Harriet 😻

[@elektropunki27]

This melt my heart. You are amazing

[@kellyc2826]

Thank you for all you do. I wish I could take them all home.

[@ShaiYammanee]

It's been a while, but I really enjoyed watching this again.

[@qmmo]

Love Harriet & the Skiathos films which brought me to her, all of which happened because of an interest in drones which you were practising / evaluating flying in your wee London garden & back alley? Am unable to comment on many of her appearances because am excluded from one of the FB pages she appears on but just occasionally . . . . . I can on another . . . . she's gorgeous ❤️

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thank you. Posts on my personal facebook page can only be commented on by friends but you should check out @thebloomcats on Instagram for loads of Harriet and the rest of the cats!

[@qmmo]

@@OneManFiveCats I know, the trouble with this social media stuff is that sometimes you feel you get to know someone really well over tie but because I am rather quiet (hence the qm) to you I'm a complete stranger . . . . I shall remove my friend request of a couple of years next time I encounter a post to which I cannot respond - Best Wishes from the South Coast 😺😹

[@renagiajan1275]

THANK ΥΟU ( ΣΕ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ ) FOR YOUR LOVE FOR ANIMALS !!! LOVE FROM GREECE !!! YOUR VIDEOS MAKES ME CRY FROM YOUR KINDNESS !!!

[@cigdemkoseosman8624]

You made me cry... I am very happy for her and i wish all the good wishes for you and for your family... ❤️❤️❤️Loves from Turkey

[@jamesmoritz7195]

Philip, Again thanks for a wonderful escape, laugh, and a bit of a cry. You have a true talent! Thanks for all you do.

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thanks James 🙂

[@salama9728]

This is so heartwarming, I needed this

[@kellyadcock3404]

Thank you for making my day !!!! I cried like a baby when I thought you were leaving her

[@OneManFiveCats]

I couldn't!

[@01chittock]

I can now see this is a few years ago! But I will say sorry for your loss…..you never forget your fur buddies. Am I’m so glad you bought her back with you to the U.K.

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thank you. Harriet is still with me though. Do you mean Rupert?

[@Subfightr]

What an absolutely beautiful and talented human being. I'm not even a cat person and I'm doing my best to fight back this tear that is trying to form in my right eye. Absolutely incredible job on the film, on life, just.. way to go man. Way to go. 🫂

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thanks Justin. 🙂

[@jamesmoritz7195]

Thanks!

[@OneManFiveCats]

Thanks James!

[@Tacochamp123]

So sweet!!! 😭😭😭

[@PadPoet]

Just found out you have another channel just for cats! Philip Bloom you are a wonderful human being. Harriet couldn't have found a better home. My wife is from Chios and we are helping with the strays here, mostly cats. This video gave us tons of extra motivation.

[@MrTechnoandy]

Damn, tuned in for the amazing production value and got an eye full of dust.

[@candicerose13]

My god, THANK YOU for doing what you do.

[@TheGutierrezFamily]

loved this :)

[@mariosever6193]

This is so awesome, thank you for sharing

[@TheWeardale1]

poor cats, but you help but feed andlove them when abroad..

[@marissakphotography6604]

So nice of you to love them so much. I might have cried a bit because I lost my 16 yo this past week, but I can’t wait to bring another one home. Cheers to you being a crazy cat lady 🤗

[@mustangnawt1]

Such a great kitty Dad. Think Stephen King wrote Curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought him back:)

[@Scarae]

*sniff* I'm not crying, you're crying!

[@georganaromano6577]

Amazing man with such beautiful loving companions. Love your videos. Keep on doing more especially writing stories about each kitty.

[@nst2141]

Your cats are very lucky !

[@connykomen4237]

I think you made a good descision to adopt here! 18 years is realy nice age. I hope my cat gets that old to. She is now 14

[@kathleenmcloughlin7984]

Thanks for making these videos Philip. Very well done and a great thing you are doing telling these cats' stories. I love your compassion for all the cats you meet and I know your cats are lucky to have you.

[@Arnold_Floyd]

Hello Kathleen 👋 How are you doing ?

[@FameLeech]

You're so sweet for caring about these little angels. I love fellow cat people

[@lauradent5420]

This video brought tears to my eyes, in a good way. I could totally see myself doing what you did. Love how everything came together in the end, including your cat family. Cheers from Buffalo, New York!

[@ottosdos]

You are a very good person, Philip.

[@Jbpennes]

MAgic, thanks!

[@Jemerella]

Aww love this video what a lovely kind person you are. Please do adult bedtime stories your voice is so calming!

[@natyspaghettighetti6726]

what beautiful videos i have stumbled upon! so cute and well done, it made me emotional at the end, thank you for having a kind heart and helping out !

[@BeckyAngelix]

She’s soooo cute under the beach chair

[@Cocoatreat]

You make such beautiful videos....you make me want to keep the 3 cats I have! Lol 😆 i have 2 angels & 1 devil 😈......you are such a great cat dad! I wish you luck in your journey!....these episodes are so entertaining!! God bless you & yours!

[@JadenNeko]

You made me tear bend, I cried involuntary as this was a touching video. End this month I'm going to purchase the book for my futute children. Until then I'll read it to my 2 fur babies, while thinking about a 3rd. Btw, what are those feeding contraptions? Can you do a review on them? Thank you for sharing this with us! Paws from my floofs.

[@amysbees6686]

Your kindness and goodness are sensed by these sweet kitties! I would love the other Greek kitties to find fur-ever homes as well! Harriet is so adorable! Severus needs to be rescued from cruel people!

[@ELCADAROSA]

Beautifully done!

[@ladydi8683]

I just came across your channel, as the Lady with 7 cats, all rescued/trapped in one way or another , it is so nice to see people like yourself. I am going to buy the book now. :)

[@barhernan153]

Wow......♥️

[@Pythonaria]

What a heartwarming story. Harriet is a beautiful cat and you are a truly wonderful man. I have 10 cats, 8 of them rescues. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to more videos - especially one on how to build a catio as that is something I want to do. Thank you for helping these cats.

[@macheadg5er]

awesome video! subscribed!!!

[@BaileysBarn]

Harriet is beautiful, so happy she has a happy safe home. ❤

[@Cinnyb052785]

I had a cat that looked a lot like Harriet show up at my house last year. I took her in, got her fixed, and found a home for her (I already had 6 cats, I couldn’t take more).

[@Cinnyb052785]

Also I can’t stand any humans that hurt animals. We need to protect them. It’s our job when they can’t protect themselves.

[@hithere5021]

Wow! I am so impressed by the quality of these videos. Thank you so much for making them, I know how much time goes into them and it certainly shows. Kudos!

[@bowenlim1691]

Just found your channel today. You're videos are amazing and genuine I hope your channel keeps growing and more people see your fanastic work

[@nixieness6551]

I can not begin to tell you about how much my heart beamed watching this video (Apart from that kid and the weather) I adore your videos and this has made my day

[@geo6970]

You videos are so beautiful !!!

[@carmentadeo9491]

Makes me happy to know there is people out there like you! Loved her story.

[@geo6970]

Not because i like cats but tour video are amazing !!

[@LaNereNere]

❤️

[@adellacolman5014]

I love this and I’m happy I found your channel. Please keep uploading videos ☺️ my cat Tobe and I just snuggles and watches your videos

[@OneManFiveCats]

thank you! Hi Tobe!

[@lihengwang]

You just made my day a lot better. Thank you for giving your cats so much love.

[@umarfarooq156]

awww, you made another video.

[@ASMAura]

I've just gotten myself three kittens (two of them are six weeks, and the third is about three months old), and these videos have so far been such a motivator, inspiration, and overall pleasure.

[@jacobdiller8140]

You are a good dude. More yous and the world would be better no doubt.

[@raynechantel2738]

I'm so crying!!! So sorry for your loss of Noodle - it doesn't matter what age they are - it's always too soon. What ever happened with the black and white male cat that was on the beach? He's needs a home too?