Kindersley farm cat hitches a ride to Panorama

By Joan Janzen

A few weeks ago, the Bowden family from Kindersley headed off on their annual vacation to Panorama Ski Resort in B.C. But when they arrived at their destination, they were shocked to find their black farm cat (Ash) had tagged along.
Jen Bowden and family travelled in one vehicle, accompanied by her sister-in-law in another vehicle. They stopped several times throughout the seven hour journey.

When they arrived they discovered a cat underneath her sister-in-law’s vehicle that quickly disappeared. Jen’s daughter, Jade was sure it was her farm cat, but her parents thought there was no possible way it could have made the trip.

A CAT TALE! Jade Bowden holding her cat, Ash (centre) and her siblings Kane and Blair at Panorama Ski Resort in B.C. This isn’t just a cute picture of kids and their pet ... it’s all part of a 7 hour crazy cat adventure.

“Jade was adamant it was her cat!” Jen said. It wasn’t just any farm cat; it was Jade’s favourite farm cat! “The next day my husband and I started calling around to see if anyone had seen this black cat. We called the vet and sure enough they had it.”

They couldn’t believe it had managed to survive the trip, but it was definitely their farm cat, with the same markings! Jen realized it must have hidden in the plastic panel or splash shield under her sister-in-law’s vehicle. “It was probably hiding in her car for two days,” she guessed.

Fortunately, weather conditions in BC were mild, so Ash was quite comfortable resting in a cat carrier in the back of their vehicle. “We fed it, took it for walks, something you would never see a farm cat do,” Jen said. “The things we do for our children!”

The family was shocked to see that their cat had survived the trip. Now “Adventure Ash”, as he’s been dubbed, is back home with his cat pals. Ash is healthy and happy, but even if he survives all nine of his lives, he probably won’t be going on any more family vacations.