Instagram is inundated with stunning travel photos from influencers and travelers, but it can become repetitive and uninspiring when influencers copy one another. Moreover, some people may be tired of seeing picture-perfect models posing in every shot. If you relate to this, then you should check out Gary’s Instagram account. Gary is a five-year-old rescue cat who has one of the best social media accounts. He is not your average floof-ball posing for cute photos; rather, he is a genuine adventurer who loves hiking, paddling, and meowntaineering. After looking at his gallery, you may feel a touch of envy as this feline has better vacations than most of us. Bored Panda approached Gary’s owner, James, for an interview, and he shared fascinating details about the cat. James stated that Gary enjoys their adventures, and he works hard to ensure that the cat is always happy and comfortable. James also revealed that he introduces Gary to new activities gradually, so the cat has time to adjust to them on his own terms. However, James admits that he created a bit of a monster by not taking Gary out enough; the cat sits at the door and meows to express his desire to go on more adventures.
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When James was asked how they came to adopt Gary into their family, he revealed that it was actually his partner who picked out the furry feline. The reason for her choice was heartwarming – Gary had suffered the same injury as his dog-brother Duke at the exact same age, making them a perfect match. Both had undergone femoral head osteoectomy treatment, which involved removing the head of the femur, resulting in the left hip joint being composed of tendon and muscle instead of bone. This has caused Gary to have limited jumping abilities, but otherwise, he is a healthy and normal cat. Interestingly, Gary’s name at the shelter was Bruce, named after the alter ego of Batman, Bruce Wayne.
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In addition to that, the person who works in communication and is 29 years old shared the story of how Gary’s Instagram page was created. While residing in the Canadian Rockies with their family, James, with no job at the time, established Gary’s account to “stay active on social media while [he] searched for employment opportunities in [his] field.” The fact that Gary gained popularity and a considerable following was an unforeseen yet delightful outcome.
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According to James, he and his furry friend Gary have just started their outdoor adventures recently. Apparently, Gary had a natural inclination to venture out and explore the great outdoors, and even managed to escape once. Thus, James decided to take appropriate measures and trained Gary with a harness after they relocated. This wasn’t just because traffic could pose a danger to the feline’s safety, but also due to the presence of dangerous predators like bears, wolves, coyotes, and birds of prey in their area. James explained that letting cats roam free can be unsafe for both the cat and other small animals like songbirds and mammals that could become potential prey. Therefore, harness training was the best option to keep Gary safe and ensure that he wouldn’t harm other creatures in his outdoor excursions.
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According to the owner, Gary’s adventures began to expand as he grew more accustomed to being on a leash. Initially, they explored their yard and nearby parks, but gradually they started venturing out into bigger territories, such as hiking in the mountains. James shared that during this summer, they even tried paddleboarding and kayaking, went camping, and attempted meowtaineering, where Gary climbed on the toe of a glacier. The owner expressed his excitement about Gary’s exploits.
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After a few months of hiking with his feline friend, Gary, the owner has finally understood the essence of hiking trails. Whenever they come across one, the duo follows it religiously. Although it has made walking with Gary easier, there is an unexpected hitch – taking photos with the cat is now a challenge. However, when Gary feels tired, he communicates this to the owner by stopping and meowing at his feet. The cat enjoys riding on the owner’s shoulders, but when needed, he takes naps in a backpack that they carry together. It seems like Gary loves to travel in style and comfort.
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According to James, Gary has been enjoying various activities during their travels, but he seems to be developing a preference for paddling. James observed that Gary is very relaxed when they are out on the water, and sometimes even falls asleep on the front of the kayak. It seems that engaging in outdoor activities has not only benefited Gary’s physical health but has also boosted his confidence. James shared that Gary used to be a shy and timid cat who would hide whenever guests came over. However, after becoming an “adventurecat,” he has become more outgoing and now greets and allows new people to pet him.
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Gary’s adventures have brought a lot of happiness to many people, as James discovered when he created an Instagram account for Gary the kitty. The positive effect has been felt by many who have messaged James to express their gratitude for the joy that Gary’s posts have brought to their lives, particularly during difficult times. Families and colleagues even share Gary’s updates with each other to spread the happiness. Additionally, Gary has helped inspire many cat owners to take their feline friends on outdoor adventures, as evidenced by the photos that James receives of cats on leashes. It’s wonderful to see how much joy one adventurous kitty can bring to so many people on social media.
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In general, I think the community that has formed around Gary’s following is really inspiring to me,” James shared. He noted that the positivity surrounding Gary’s account is a breath of fresh air compared to the negativity often found on social media. James also takes advantage of Gary’s account to promote awareness and educate people, especially when it comes to responsible ways of visiting parks and natural areas. People have responded positively to this approach. “One of the biggest challenges that parks face nowadays is that people go to nature to get that perfect Instagram shot, but often end up getting hurt or causing harm to the environment,” he explained.
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It appears that people are most intrigued by Gary’s goggles. James disclosed that many individuals inquire about them and express their apprehensions. “At high altitudes, the sun glares off the rocks and snow, which can be exceptionally harsh. The goggles offer Gary sun protection and make it more pleasant for him to spend time outdoors in bright conditions,” James clarified, comparing the goggles to sunglasses for humans. The owner further reassured that Gary never faced any difficulties wearing them and would only attempt to adjust them if they slipped out of place.
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