World’s oldest living cat confirmed at 27 years old, feline equivalent of 120 human years

A British cat was on November 24 2022 recognised in the Guinness World Record as the oldest living cat just before her 27th birthday.

At the age of 26 years 316 days, roughly the feline equivalent of 120 human years, the record-breaking pet is in good health, although poorly sighted and deaf.

Throughout her long life, Flossie - a beautiful brown and black kitty with a gentle disposition and who loves cuddles and food - has seen different homes.

Her current owner, Vicki, says that she is still playful and curious, unbothered by her deafness and quickly adapts to new environments despite her lack of sight.

"Every day, you can either find Flossie purring and napping by her owner, curled in her favourite yellow blanket, or enjoying a nice, big bowl of food," says the Guinness World Records. 

Flossie’s journey to confirm her record began in August 2022, when she was handed into the care of Cats Protection, UK’s leading cat welfare charity.

"We were flabbergasted when we saw that Flossie's vet records showed her to be 27 years old," said Cats Protection's Branch Co-ordinator Naomi Rosling upon the incredible discovery. 

Flossie's future had taken an unfortunate turn in 2022 after she found herself homeless, after over 26 years of happiness.

Because most cat owners prefer the idea of adopting a much younger cat, Flossie seemed destined to stay with Cats Protection, facing the serious possibility of spending the rest of her life looking for a home. 

Fortunately, before too long, a match was made with a possible new mum and Flossie got a new home.

Flossie’s story began in December 1995, when she was adopted by a worker at the Merseyside hospital.

At the time, she roamed free as a young stray and lived in a colony of cats close to the hospital.

Some workers took pity on the kitties, only a few months old at the time, and decided to each adopt one.

After living the first few months of her life as a feral cat, Flossie found herself surrounded by love, warm meals and toys.

She lived with her owner until they passed away, ten years later.

After that, Flossie was taken in by her previous owner’s sister.