Today is (what I guesstimate to be) my cat’s birthday. Today Benchley is 5 years old!
Sorry if you don’t like cats…this is not the post for you – I hope you visit the blog again on Monday when I’ll be talking about something other than my pawesome cat.
In 2017, one day before my 27th birthday I created an Instagram account for my cat. I never could have dreamed of how it would impact my life, the laughs I’d get from it, the tears I would shed, or the amazing friendships I would forge. I have built genuine friendships with cat lovers all over the world.
The accounts are for our cats, and we do speak for them. If you think that is weird – like my dad – you’re missing out. I haven’t really ever been big on social media so I was so excited when Benchley’s account had its first 15 followers. I am gobsmacked to share that as of this morning Benchley’s account (@benchleyparkbenchley) is followed by 3,765 amazing people. Last week some of our Reels started skyrocketing in viewership. I don’t know what numbers you have to hit to be considered viral, but the PSA Reel warning about the monster known as “vacoom” (with audio saved from @magnusthetherapydog) has hit 462k views.
I am stunned. I make no money from this cat account, I just do it for fun.
Aside from the friendships and fun, the IG account is also a great way for me to keep a record of photographs of Benchley. When my first cat crossed the rainbow bridge I scoured the family photographs to find pictures of her over the years. I adopted her for my 7th birthday back in 1997 – when digital cameras were not a thing in my home, much less attached to a phone! Benchley’s IG will always be a record of his life, readily available to me.
So, to celebrate today I am sharing my favorite photos of Benchley, and some of our top “furriends” for you to follow if you love seeing pictures of cats each day.
(bow tie from txhumor.com)
If cat pictures increase your serotonin levels and make you smile, you should follow some of our best furriends:
@wigginsthecat
@elsa_the_ex_feral_cat
@nellie_bubs_power
@filaandmika
@jojorosiefarmhouse
@tuxedotill2
@plumthepuddy
@bearcatworld
@korkykatt
@6catsofthebay
@itzmitz123
@walterjface
@winstigram
@tonks_floof
@nelson_and_lillabet
All these accounts are for really cool cats. 😉
Happy Friday!
I’m so happy that this has turned into such a positive and encouraging outlet. I know there were times when you doubted and considered giving up.