If She Were Human, She’d Be 136... What’s the Secret to the World’s Oldest Cat’s Longevity?

From Stray Cat to World Record Holder
A Consistent Routine Is Cited as the Secret to Her Longevity
Equivalent to 136 Years Old in Human Age

The world's oldest living cat has celebrated its 30th birthday. On January 1 (local time), international media outlets including the New York Post and Guinness World Records (GWR) reported that Flossie, a female cat living in the United Kingdom, turned 30 years old on December 29, 2025, and continues to break the Guinness World Record. Flossie was officially listed in the Guinness World Records as the "oldest living cat" in November 2022.

The cat "Ploshi" holding the Guinness World Record. YouTube channel "Guinness World Records"

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a one-year-old cat is equivalent to a 15-year-old human, a two-year-old cat is equivalent to a 24-year-old human, and each subsequent year adds four human years. By this calculation, Flossie's age is approximately 136 in human years.

Flossie, whose fur is a mix of brown and black, was born as a stray near a hospital in Merseyside, United Kingdom, in 1995. She was later adopted by a hospital staff member and lived in a home, staying with her first owner until they passed away about ten years later. Afterwards, she moved to the home of her owner's younger sister, where she lived for another 14 years. When her second owner also passed away, the family cared for Flossie for about three years, but eventually decided they could no longer look after her and sent her to a shelter. There, Flossie met her current owner, Vicky Green, and began a new chapter in her life.

Through Guinness World Records, Green said, "I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat, but I never imagined I would live with a world record-holding cat. I have always wanted to give older cats a comfortable retirement, and I am very proud to have met such a wonderful cat through the shelter." Although Flossie suffers from hearing loss and declining eyesight due to her advanced age, she reportedly still maintains her playful and curious personality. The shelter cited Flossie's longevity as being due to a consistent lifestyle, including regular meals, sufficient sleep, and not overly strenuous play.

Vicky Green, owner of Plosi. YouTube channel 'Guinness World Records'

Before Flossie, the Guinness World Record for the "oldest cat ever" was held by Creme Puff, a cat from Texas, United States. Creme Puff was born on August 3, 1967, and lived until August 6, 2005, setting a record of 38 years and 3 days. Guinness World Records commented, "Flossie is not just a cat that has lived a long life, but a symbolic figure demonstrating the importance and value of adopting senior cats."