A man in northwest England believes his cherished tortoiseshell cat may be among the oldest living felines in the world after celebrating what he says was her 31st birthday.
Leslie Greenhough, 71, from Greater Manchester, said his cat Millie was born in 1995 and has been part of the family since she was a three-month-old kitten adopted by his late wife.
The milestone has drawn attention because a cat reaching 31 years of age is exceptionally rare.
Guinness Record Has Yet to Be Verified
Greenhough hopes Millie will one day be recognized by Guinness World Records, but says he cannot provide the official documentation needed to verify her birth date.
According to him, the only person who could have confirmed Millie’s exact age was his late wife.
He says the only remaining evidence is a photograph taken in 1995 showing Millie eating from a food bowl shortly after she joined the family.
As a result, Millie’s age has not been independently verified, and she is not currently recognized as the world’s oldest living cat.
A Special Diet and Plenty of Affection
Greenhough believes Millie’s longevity may be linked to a combination of attentive care, affection and a consistent routine.
He told SWNS that the cat has been drinking only natural mineral water for about a decade after problems with local tap water prompted him to switch to bottled water.
Millie’s daily meals reportedly include salmon, prawns, chicken and tuna.
“I am very proud she has made it to 31,” Greenhough said. “She is a real trooper.”
Earlier this year, the family celebrated Millie’s birthday by serving her a bowl of chicken.
Keeping Cool During Britain’s Summer Heat
As Millie has grown older, Greenhough says she has required extra attention, particularly during periods of hot weather.
He said the cat now has two fans running to keep her cool and ice cubes added to her drinking water during the UK’s recent heatwave.
According to her owner, Millie has also become quieter and more relaxed with age.
He described her as shy and believes her calm temperament may have contributed to her long life.
How Millie Compares With Record-Holding Cats
Although Millie’s reported age is remarkable, it has not been officially confirmed.
According to Guinness World Records, Creme Puff, a cat from Texas, holds the record for the oldest cat ever documented, living 38 years and 3 days.
The oldest living cat currently recognized by Guinness is Flossie, a British cat whose age has been independently verified.
Without official records proving her birth date, Millie cannot currently challenge those records.
Background
Most domestic cats live between 12 and 18 years, although many reach their twenties with good veterinary care, proper nutrition and a safe environment.
Cats living beyond 30 years remain exceptionally uncommon.
Why It Matters
Millie’s story has attracted attention because it highlights the strong bond many owners share with aging pets while also drawing interest to the rare longevity some cats can achieve.
The story also illustrates the importance of documentation when seeking official world record recognition.
Conclusion
Whether or not Millie ultimately earns a place in the record books, her reported 31-year lifespan has already made her an extraordinary companion for her owner. As Greenhough continues caring for his longtime pet, he hopes her remarkable story will inspire appreciation for senior animals and the lifelong relationships they form with their families.
