A British cat has been given the title of 'oldest in the world' after reaching the impressive age of 26 which is thought to be over 120 in human years. Flossie, who is now deaf and partially blind, was born on December 29 1995 and received her crowning title earlier this month by Guinness World Records at the age of 26 years and 316 days old.
The senior feline had a rough start in life and has lived in many homes after being abandoned as a kitten and having to fend for herself with a group of cats near a hospital in Merseyside. Fortunately for Flossie, two hospital workers sympathised with the little kittens and they adopted one each, the Daily Star reports.
Flossie lived with her first owner for 10 years before they sadly passed away and she was taken in by the owner's sister who she lived happily with for another 14 years before she too died. The old aged cat was then looked after by the woman's son for a while but he was unable to care for her properly and made the difficult decision to give the family cat to volunteers at Cat Protection.
The woman’s son looked after Flossie for a time, but his situation forced him to make the difficult decision to give the family cat to volunteers at Cats Protection. The charity rehomed Flossie with Vicki from South London who has experience looking after older cats.
Vicki who is delighted to care for the 26 year old feline said that she is an "amazing cat" and that she has adapted well to her new home and sleeps ''snuggled on the bed" beside her. She added: “I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat, but I didn’t imagine I’d share my home with a Guinness World Records title holder.
"She’s so affectionate and playful, especially sweet when you remember how old she is. She’s deaf and with failing eyesight but none of that seems to bother her.
"She’s completely with it, loves affection and has a good appetite. She never turns her nose up at the chance of a good meal, except when she’s snuggled on her yellow blanket.”
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief at Guinness World Records, said: “We were so excited to hear about the lovely Flossie and celebrate her long life – it’s not every day you come across a cat who has been around since the mid-90s. This is the human equivalent of over 120 years old, which would put her on par with Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian who lived to 122 years 164 days and holds the record for the oldest person ever.
“We’re happy to see Flossie settled and enjoying all the home comforts she deserves in her later life. A huge congratulations to Flossie, a highly deserving record-breaker.”
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