The world’s oldest cat was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records recently. Flossie is 27 years old – the equivalent of 120 in human years.
Born in 1995, Flossie was confirmed by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living cat. Flossie, a tortoiseshell cat, currently lives with her owner Vicki Green in southeast London.
As Flossie has had many owners in her long life, the news that she was officially the oldest cat in the world came as quite a surprise to Green.
Guinness World Records – the world’s oldest cat
Generally, a cat’s average life expectancy depends on various factors such as diet, health, and environment.
The average lifespan for a domestic cat is about 12-14 years, with outdoor cats having a slightly lower life expectancy than their indoor counterparts. However, some pet cats can occasionally live to be around 20 years old.
Since Flossie is currently a staggering 27 years old and still going strong, it’s not hard to see why so many people are amazed by her.
Flossie – a cat who has lived a long and interesting life
Flossie was born in 1995 as part of a colony of strays near a Merseyside hospital, where a worker adopted her. When her owner died after ten years, Flossie was taken in by her sister, who she lived with for another 14 years.
When she then passed away, Flossie went on to live with her son for another three years. However, sadly this year, he could no longer look after her and Flossie came under the care of Cats Protection in Kent.
“We were flabbergasted when vet records showed her to be nearly 27. She’s the oldest cat I’ve ever met, at least 120 in human years. If I’m in such good shape when I’m her age, I shall be a very happy lady,” explained the charity’s Naomi Rosling.
Vicki Green – Flossie’s new owner
Flossie now lives with new owner Vicki Green in southeast London. Vicki has revealed that while Flossie is now deaf and has failing eyesight, she is still playful and affectionate.
Green, who, like Flossie, is also 27, says: “I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat, but I didn’t imagine I’d be sharing my home with a Guinness World Records title holder.
“Flossie’s so affectionate, playful, and sweet, especially when you remember how old she is. She’s deaf and has failing eyesight, but none of that seems to bother her. She’s completely with it, loves affection, and has a very good appetite.
“She sometimes misses her litter box or needs help grooming herself, but I can help with all of that. We’re in this together.”