BenBen, the "Internet's saddest cat," is a celebrity in his own right — he was a headliner at Vancouver Meow fest 2022, has his own line of merchandise and is followed by close to 700k followers on Instagram.
Today, BenBen is showered with likes, comments and chin scratches. But seven years ago, he was considered to be an “un-adoptable” cat.
As per a post on BenBen’s Instagram page, he was rescued from Downtown Eastside by a BC SPCA (British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) officer and taken to an emergency animal shelter. Soon, it was found that BenBen had had it rough — he had wounds, bad infections, ear mites, a fused neck and serious spinal injuries.
It was decided that BenBen would never be able to walk again and would have to be put down.
He had less than 24 hours to live when he was adopted on April 30, 2016.
“A veterinary technician (now a BC SPCA investigator) who was working for the veterinary clinic where BenBen was brought in, decided to adopt him,” said Karima Jivraj, owner of Bosley’s pet retail store in Columbia Square, which is hosting BenBen’s seventh adoptaversary on April 29 with cupcakes and a meet-and-greet with the social media sensation.
“Ever since, I have been supporting him. We work together to raise funds,” said Jivraj, who has spent enough time with BenBen to know that what he likes most are Inaba Churu (lickable wet cat treats) and tons of cuddles.
In the last seven years, BenBen has raised close to $20,000 with Bosley’s for animal welfare initiatives — helping rescues like him get another shot at life, and entertaining more than half a million people on Instagram.
As it turns out, what the sad cat does best is make others happy.
Celebrate BenBen's birthday/adoptaversary at Bosley’s pet store (114-1015 Columbia St.) on Saturday, April 29, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
