Innisfil cat celebrates 21st birthday

They say cats have nine lives. And according to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, the average length of one of the lives of an indoor cat is 12.5 years. 

So having had not only one, but two cats live past the age of 20 has been a blessing for Innisfil resident Dee-Ann Benson. 

Benson is an Innisfil native, having grown up on a farm on the 8th Line. Her grandfather also owned a Baptist church in Belle Ewart and even has a street named after him.

Benson and her husband Nick now live at Friday Harbour in a condo with their fur baby, Megan. The couple never had children and consider their pet cats their kids. 

Benson got her first cat, Nosey, when she was five years old. Nosey lived to be 23, and soon after he passed, Benson adopted sibling cats Lucas and Megan from Furry Friends cat shelter in Barrie. 

That was 21 years ago. Megan is still alive and recently celebrated her 21st birthday on Feb. 2. Lucas sadly passed at the age of 16 from leukemia. 

So what's Benson's secret to fostering long cat lives?

"Downright love," she says. "Just pure on love."

Benson calls Megan a "miracle cat", who has endured many health challenges over the years. 

At around 11-years-old, Megan suddenly got very sick, requiring tube feedings and medications. Benson fed Megan through a tube daily while nursing her back to health. 

"It was touch and go and she survived," said Benson. 

About a month ago, Megan experienced a suspected pancreatitis attack. Benson remembers calling the emergency vet in a panic, who recommended Megan be euthanized. 

"Thank god we were following our heart, and her eyes, because she bounced back the next day, perfectly fine again," said Benson. "Just like a senior, she will have those days...she needs help."

Benson tends to Megan 24/7, massaging her arthritis pain, administering meds three times a day for her epilepsy and diabetes, and giving her plenty of cuddles. 

"She's very spoiled, she's well taken care of," said Benson. 

Benson affectionately calls her the "Million Dollar Cat" due to the high medication costs of her diva-like demeanour. 

"I hold her bowl for her or she won’t eat," added Benson. "All her food is blended now for better digestion. She is round-the-clock care, it’s a full-time job," said Benson. 

But she says she wouldn't change it for the world. 

"She is my queen Megs and deserves the care in her senior years. Too often we euthanize senior cats because of an illness but they can live such a wonderful life if only given the chance and love," she said. 

Benson and her husband don't like leaving Megan alone for long due to her health issues, and in the past few years, have taken Megan along on road trips with them for work, to places like Kingston and Montreal. 

"She kind of likes it, I think," laughed Benson. "I think it keeps her young."

Benson is a photographer who recently started her own business capturing photos of nature and wildlife. Benson's love for animals and cats extends into her work, with an appreciation for all living things. 

"They don't have a say in anything, so we need to respect them," she said. 

Benson has developed friendships with plenty of other cat-moms on Instagram, through an account she made just for Megan. Benson says the account has been a good distraction and form of entertainment throughout the pandemic.

"It's light and takes away from the world we are living in right now which is so complicated," she said. 

Benson recently did a photoshoot for Megan's birthday, complete with pink number balloons and a cake which she posted on Instagram. She also hosted a virtual rainforest-themed party with all Megan's fur friends. 

One day, Benson hopes to write a book about Megan and her will to survive. 

"Her strength is incredible, her character is amazing and she is just adorable! I believe she could encourage others to be strong and not give up!" said Benson. 

To learn more about Megan and Benson deeanncbensonhotography.com and @megansupercat on Instagram.