Alan Peevers with Benny in 2017. Photograph: Alan Peevers
The Pet I’ll Never Forget: Benny the Cat, Who Climbed Into My Shopping Bag – Then Shared My Baths
I discovered Benny and his brother, Buster, when they were just three months old. While I was utterly besotted with both felines, it was Benny, with his quirky habits and deeply affectionate nature, who truly captured my heart in a way that endures to this day.
A Supermarket Surprise in Bahrain
In 2006, outside a supermarket in Bahrain, Benny and Buster ambushed me as I carried shopping bags. They were attempting to climb into the bags, drawn by the scent of food inside. Instantly smitten, I decided to take them in, marking the beginning of an extraordinary 16-year relationship.
This bond saw Benny and Buster accompany me across multiple countries, including Kenya, Qatar, back to Bahrain, and finally to Manchester. As an advertising creative director, I followed work opportunities wherever they arose, leading to an interesting yet often lonely lifestyle. My new feline friends, approximately three months old at the time, immediately made a profound difference, providing companionship and joy.
Benny’s Unique Love for Water
Unlike most cats, Benny was fascinated by water and adored paddling in the bath. He would jump in as it filled, wading around and occasionally sticking his head under the tap. At other times, he patiently waited on the tub’s edge until I finished, then slid in to enjoy the water. His affectionate side shone through whenever I lay on the couch; he would leap up and nestle into the crook of my arm, showcasing one of the most loving temperaments I have ever encountered in a cat.
Indoor Life and Simple Pleasures
Since Benny and Buster were indoor cats, I grew grass in a plant pot for them to chew on. This small patch, about 20 square centimetres, became Benny’s private indoor lawn, where he would sit contentedly. About half an hour before dinner time, I often found him lying on his back with paws in the air—a unique behaviour he displayed only then. I interpreted this as a sign of utter contentment, both at the prospect of being fed and with his life in general. I have never witnessed a cat appear happier.
A Brave Battle with Cancer
In 2021, Benny was diagnosed with cancer, which proved inoperable, and he was given roughly six months to live. However, perhaps due to the pampering and care he received, he defied expectations and survived for another three years. He grew thinner and weaker over time, but he always seemed to enjoy life, even managing occasional paddles in the bath. Eventually, I noticed a change; it seemed as if he had had enough.
Taking him to the vet for the final goodbye was the hardest experience of my life. Afterwards, I sat in the car park for an hour, unable to stop crying. To this day, I think of Benny every time I run a bath, remembering the unique bond we shared.
