(CNN) — Flossie, at the age of almost 27, which is the feline equivalent of being 120 human years, according to Guinness World Recordshas been crowned the oldest living cat in the world.
The British brown and black cat received official Guinness World Records recognition on Thursday at the record age of 26 years and 329 days, according to a news release. Although she has poor eyesight and is deaf, she is reportedly in good health.
“I knew all along that Flossie was a special cat, but I didn’t imagine that I would share my home with a world record holder,” said Vicki Green, who adopted her after the elderly pet was handed over to UK cat. welfare charity Cats Protection in August.
At the age of 26 years and 329 days, Flossie has been recognized as the world’s oldest cat.
“She’s so loving and playful, especially sweet when you remember how old she is. I am immensely proud that Cats Protection has matched me with such an amazing cat,” she added.
Flossie has been in various homes since she was living as a stray kitten near the Merseyside Hospital in Liverpool, North West England, in the first months of his life in 1995.
She was adopted by a hospital worker, with whom she lived for 10 years before her owner died. Flossie was taken in by the sister of her late owner. After 14 years, the second owner of her died. She then stayed with the son of her second owner for three years, before being entrusted to Cats Protection volunteers.
It was then that word of his incredible age began to spread and the journey to confirm his record began.
“We were shocked when we saw that Flossie’s veterinary records showed she was 27 years old,” Naomi Rosling, branch coordinator for the charity, said in the statement.
Flossie is usually found snuggled up in her favorite yellow blanket. Credit: Guinness World Records
Most cat owners prefer to adopt a much younger cat, as elderly animals often live out their last days in shelters, according to the statement.
“I always wanted to give older cats a comfortable afterlife,” said Green, who hopes Flossie’s story will encourage potential cat owners to provide a haven for older pets.
The oldest cat that ever lived, Crème Puff, reached the age of 38 years and three days. He died on August 6, 2005.
The oldest living former dog, Pebbles, passed away on October 3, five months before the toy fox terrier’s 23rd birthday. Gino Wolf, who lives with his owner in Los Angeles, is the current record holder at 22 years and 2 months.