At 30 years old, tortoiseshell Millie from Stockport may be the world’s oldest cat, with owner Leslie Greenhough attributing her remarkable longevity to a pampered lifestyle including bottled water, seafood treats, and lots of cuddles. While her age can’t be officially verified for Guinness World Records, Millie’s three decades of life represent an extraordinary achievement in feline years.
Born in 1995 as a kitten to Leslie’s late wife Paula, Millie has outlived most cats by more than a decade, becoming a cherished companion through life’s ups and downs. Her recent birthday celebration, complete with a cream cake, highlights the special bond between this senior feline and her devoted owner who continues to ensure her golden years are comfortable and filled with love.
The Secret Behind Millie’s Incredible Longevity
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Leslie Greenhough, a 70-year-old former storekeeper, believes his cat’s extraordinary lifespan comes down to a few key factors. First is her diet. Millie enjoys premium treats like prawns and salmon. However, perhaps most interestingly, she exclusively drinks bottled water.
“She’s very particular about her water,” Leslie explains. “Millie won’t touch tap water. It’s been bottled water only for years now.”
Beyond her dietary preferences, Leslie attributes Millie’s health to “lots of treats and cuddles.” This combination of quality nutrition and affection seems to be working wonders for the senior feline.
From Outdoor Cat to Indoor Senior
Another factor in Millie’s long life may be her lifestyle change. According to Leslie, Millie was once an outdoor cat but became more cautious after being bullied by neighborhood cats.
“She’s developed a cautious attitude – she’s very shy,” Leslie shares. “I think that’s helped her live longer.”
This transition to indoor living might have protected Millie from various hazards that outdoor cats face, from traffic accidents to diseases. Her careful nature has possibly contributed to her exceptional age.
A Special Bond Through Difficult Times
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Leslie’s connection with Millie holds particular significance. He met his late wife Paula through a dating site in 2012 and first heard Millie meowing in the background during a phone call. After they married in 2014, Leslie and Millie developed their own special relationship.
Sadly, Paula passed away in 2020 after contracting Covid-19. Through this difficult time, Millie provided comfort and companionship to Leslie.
“Millie and I had bonded before she died – she would sit on my lap and my wife said she could see how much the cat loved me,” Leslie recalls. “I think Millie knew my wife wasn’t well.”
Seeking Recognition as a Record Holder
While Leslie believes Millie is the world’s oldest living cat, proving her exact age presents a challenge. Without official documentation, getting Millie into the Guinness Book of Records remains difficult.
“My life ambition is to get her in the Guinness Book of Records,” Leslie says. “But I can’t prove her age. The only person who can do that is my late wife.”
For comparison, the verified oldest cat ever recorded was Creme Puff from Austin, Texas, who lived to 38 years and 3 days before passing away in 2005.
