120 Years Old in Human Age... The Oldest Cat Listed in the Guinness Book

'Ploshi' living in the UK, 26 years and 329 days old... Average lifespan of a house cat is 15-20 years
The oldest record is a 38-year-old American cat that died in 2005

The cat "Ploshi," recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest cat. Photo by Guinness World Records website

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] 'Ploshi,' a cat from London, UK, who is about to turn 27 years old, has been listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest cat.

Recently, the Guinness World Records announced that the female cat Ploshi has been registered as the oldest living cat at the age of 26 years and 329 days. This corresponds to an astonishing 120 years in human age. The average lifespan of a domestic cat is known to be 15 to 20 years.

Ploshi has experienced many ups and downs throughout her long "cat life." Her story began in December 1995 when she was adopted by a staff member at a hospital in Merseyside. At that time, Ploshi was a kitten living homeless among a group of stray cats near the hospital. The hospital staff, feeling pity for the newborn kittens, decided to each adopt one. Ploshi, who had lived as a wild cat, succeeded in a "cat life reversal," surrounded by love, warm meals, and toys. However, her first owner passed away in 2005, ten years later. Afterward, the first owner's younger sister took care of Ploshi, but the second owner also died in 2019. Ploshi experienced the sad farewell of losing her owner twice. At that time, Ploshi was 24 years old.

Fortunately, the second owner's son decided to do his best to take care of Ploshi, and she lived with her third owner for three years. However, the happiness that came again in her old age did not last long. As the third owner's situation worsened, Ploshi was eventually entrusted to the cat protection organization 'Cats Protection.'

Vicky Green, who adopted Ploshi, is holding the Guinness World Record. Photo by Guinness World Records website

Because Ploshi was very old, Cats Protection planned to care for her instead of putting her up for adoption. However, at this time, Ploshi met her "fateful caretaker," Vicky Green. Green had previously raised her cat 'Honeybun' until the age of 21, so she was well aware of the needs of elderly cats. Green said about the reason for adoption, "I always wanted to provide a comfortable old age for elderly cats." Fortunately, Ploshi adapted easily to her new home and new owner. Green shared Ploshi's current condition, saying, "Ploshi has poor eyesight and cannot see in the dark, and she was a bit confused in the new environment, so she was noisy for the first few nights, but now she cuddles with me in bed and sleeps all night." She added, "From the beginning, I knew Ploshi was a special cat, but I never imagined sharing a home with a world record holder." She hopes that their story will help potential cat owners consider providing a sanctuary for elderly cats. Ploshi, who loves her yellow new blanket and warm bed, is still playful and affectionate regardless of her age.

The longest-lived cat in history is 'Cream Puff,' who lived 10 years longer than Ploshi. Born in Texas, USA, Cream Puff was born on August 3, 1967, and lived until August 6, 2005, reaching 38 years and 3 days old.