THE world’s oldest cat lives in the UK and is 29 years old, a man claims.
Leslie Greenhough, 69, believes his tortoiseshell moggy, Millie is currently the oldest living feline.
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He puts pussy’s long life down to “cuddles on the sofa” and “lots of treats” – including tinned tuna and prawns
The Stockport mouser was first owned by Leslie’s late wife, Paula, 55, who adopted Millie in 1995 – when the kitten was three months old.
Leslie first met Millie, then aged 16, when he began dating Paula in 2012.
The former store keeper claims Millie has never visited the vet, and eats a mixed diet of chicken and Purina cat food.
Paula sadly died in April 2020 from Covid, so Leslie has stepped-up and become Millie’s dad.
The retiree said: “Millie’s a spry little thing, people can’t believe she’s 29.
“She can still jump up on the sides but she’s a little slower these days.
“It’s just us two and she isn’t bothered by any other cats, so I think it’s helped her a live a long and peaceful life.
“She’s never gone to the vets since I’ve owned her or had any real health issues.
“She’s a little deaf now and loves to sleep on my bed.”
Leslie met his wife on plenty on the dating site Plenty Of Fish and he was introduced to Millie after he over heard her meowing in the background of the calls.
The couple got engaged in 2013 on Valentine’s Day and married two years later in 2014.
Leslie had owned a cat once before as a child, named Blackie, but hadn’t had a pet in several decades, until meeting Millie.
He said: “Blackie used to follow me everywhere she was born in a paper mill and such a sweet thing.
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“Millie was such a sweet cat when I first met her.
“Over the years Millie was bullied by other cats in the neighbourhood, so she stopped going out and became more of an indoor cat.
“She’s developed a cautious attitude – she’s very shy.
“I think that’s helped her live longer.”
Paul’s passing affected Millie, who struggled to eat after losing her owner.
He said: “It was incredibly difficult on both of us.
“Millie and I had bonded before she [Paula] died, she would sit on my lap and my wife said she could see how much the cat loved me.
It’s just us two and she isn’t bothered by any other cats, so I think it’s helped her a live a long and peaceful life
Leslie Greenhough
“I think Millie knew my wife wasn’t well.
“Millie wouldn’t eat anything at first, I used to give her prawns and chicken, but over time she’s back to eating cat food.”
Leslie is hoping to submit Millie to the Guinness World Records.
The title of oldest living cat is currently held by Flossie, born 29 December 1995, and is aged 28.
He said: “I want to move but I’m worried Millie won’t survive the journey.
“I’m doing this story for my wife in her memory.
“She loved Millie, and everyone should know what an remarkable cat she is.”
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