While most cats prefer a regularly scheduled routine, with minimal surprises and changes, you wouldn't say the same about Megan, a 21-year-old cat from Innisfil who loves adventure and recently returned from a road trip to the east coast.
Earlier this year, InnisfilToday ran a feature about Megan, who celebrated her 21st birthday with her purr-ents, Dee-Ann and Nick Benson of Friday Harbour. The cat has been more than just a pet to the Bensons and goes along with them wherever they go.
So it wasn't surprising that Megan joined the couple on their last-minute road trip last month to explore the east coast of Canada.
Dee-Ann, a professional photographer by trade, says the purpose of the trip was to shoot landscape and wildlife with Megan for a 2023 calendar she will be selling later this year.
Megan has been on many road trips before, lavishing the hotel life in Toronto, Montreal and Kingston, just to name a few, but this was by far the longest adventure she has embarked on. The family of three spent three weeks at the end of summer driving through Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
"I was a bit worried as Megan had never travelled this far before in a car," said Dee-Ann.
But the Bensons were extra prepared, bringing along with them emergency supplies and medication for Megan.
Megan has been classified by her vet as a palliative for many years, with Dee-Ann providing her with round-the-clock care of scheduled medications, specially blended foods, body massages and mobility assistance. And while Dee-Ann helps Megan, Megan also helps Dee-Ann as her registered service cat.
Packing for the road trip was the biggest challenge, with Benson needing to pack all of Megan's equipment including a staircase to reach the bed, blankets, towels, bandanas, a litter box, her carry cage and a new opaque backpack.
Dee-Ann recently purchased one of the cat backpacks that has been seen widely on social media. The opaque, egg-shaped bags are made for cats, with holes on top to breathe. Megan loves her backpack and used it throughout the family vacation.
"It enriched her life tremendously," said Dee-Ann. "I saw a huge improvement in her spirit."
On the road, Megan spent most of the time propped up on pillows on Dee-Ann's lap on the passenger side, enjoying the views along the way. The trio would take frequent stops for coffee and bathroom breaks, where Megan would be let outside to roam on the grass. Each night, the Bensons would stop at a pet-friendly hotel to rest.
"I tried to get the same hotel with the same look inside so that it wasn’t strange to her and too much change," said Dee-Ann.
One of the most exciting parts of the trip, Dee-Ann said was the ferry ride to Poty aux Basque in Newfoundland.
For the ride, Dee-Ann booked a window-side cabin with two beds (one for her and Nick and one just for Megan), a washroom, a TV, and a special private area just for Megan.
Of all the stops made along the trip, Dee-Ann says Megan's favourite was Newfoundland, where they had stayed in a house rented on Airbnb.
"It wasn’t long after she adjusted when she had her first outside adventure to the ocean in my arms," said Dee-Ann. "I showed her jellyfish that washed up on the shore, the raging waves due to the stormy weather, and she saw a sea osprey."
Dee-Ann says the best part of the trip was getting to experience it together with her husband and Megan.
"I know we loved it and she (Megan) sure showed her affection that she enjoyed it," said Dee-Ann. "She has never been so happy."
Since returning home to Innisfil, Dee-Ann has made efforts to take Megan outside daily for walks.
"But ironically, she has been pacing from time to time and staring out the windows a lot; I think she is planning our next long vacation," said Dee-Ann.
The Bensons are planning to take another trip next summer, hopefully with Megan again.
Megan may be a senior cat, but to the Bensons, age is just a number, and it's Megan's youthful spirit that keeps her feeling young. Dee-Ann believes travelling also helps with Megan's overall mobility and joints.
"I am a firm believer in the mind playing a big factor in aging in seniors, humans and animals alike," said Dee-Ann. "Mentally, cats are not that different than humans, they need stimulation too."
De-Ann says Megan is a truly special cat and continues to amaze her each day.
"One day she is feeling off and I think 'Oh No!' Then she bounces back and she is ready to be super senior Megan again," said Dee-Ann. "She is my star for sure in my eyes, my queen."
Follow Megan and all her adventures on Instagram @megansuperseniorcat
Anyone interested in ordering one of Megan's calendars can send Dee-Ann an email at [email protected].
