Posted on 12/02/2007 1:08:03 PM PST by Daffynition
A 26-year-old domestic cat from Shropshire could be one of the oldest in the UK.
Pussywillow lives in Ratlinghope and is still "sharp in her mind and her eyes", according to owner Lin Brown.
The black cat, who now enjoys curling up by the stove, lived off animals she caught herself until she was 22, Ms Brown said.
Healthy cats can normally live to about 18, with previous world record holders only reaching their early 20s.
Pussywillow was near-feral when she was first taken in by the family.
"When Willow came my son was four. He is now 30," Ms Brown said.
"I know from my local vet that they've always been absolutely astonished and said they have never known a cat that old."
The family only started feeding the elderly feline after she survived an attack by a fox four years ago.
"Because of her wildness when she came she was pretty much an outdoor cat and had an organic diet and I hardly fed her anything," Ms Brown said.
Marion Micklewright, from Shropshire Cat Rescue, said she had not heard of any other cats living for 26 years.
"Cats are living longer, but I'd love to know what they fed it on. It's a bit of a rarity." Story from BBC NEWS:
I once had a wonderful, huge Burmese cat who lived to 24. It was amazing.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Old kitty ping!
I have a cat that’s about 20. She used to be an outdoor kitty, and fairly cranky, until she discovered that inside was nicer. Now she is stone deaf, and has alzheimer’s. She has forgotten that she was cranky and wants to be a people cat now.
This is one old cat,nice to see.
I know that dog lives are one for every seven years for a human, any idea what cat years are to human years?
It’s a little more complex than just a straight conversion. The one I’ve seen goes like this:
First year = 15 human years
Second year = 10 human years
Beginning with the third year, each year = 4 human years
so a 26 year old cat is:
15 + 10 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 121 human years
We have a dog who is developing doggie dementia, we believe. Stares at a corner for long periods of time, stuff like that.
All the cats are still good.....they now treat him like a big mama cat and burrow in his fur.
Bootsy is one very cute cat!
Yes she is, but looks can be deceiving! The other cats are scared to death of her - she definitely rules the roost. My husband found her when she was a kitten wandering around the refinery where he worked, the guys there named her "Bootsy" because she has 4 white feet. She's a real survivor!
Wow, one for the record books. =^..^=
Guiness World Books Of Records are you listening?
I had one who made it only to 19. (As near as the vet could figure.) I miss that ol’ gal. She was the only cat who waited for me at the door, when I came home from work. And the old doll was blind and arthritic.
Pussywillow is a lucky ol’ Lady!
Beautiful kitties!
I love seeing cat photos, they just melt my heart.
19 is nothing to sneeze at. Good kitty!
Oh I just love your putty cats. I have a 15 year old. He is doing well he just is shell shocked because I have a 4 year old daughter that chases him around the house. I also have two 9 year old cats and 1 seven year old. I also feed 4 stray cats on my deck.
ping...
AWWWWWWWWW! Beauties! Thanks for posting their photos. ;)
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