101 Facts About Ageing #12: The World’s Oldest Cat

As Daniel Patrick Moynihan, an American sociologist, politician, and diplomat once said: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts”. And we wholeheartedly agree. A shared set of facts is the first step to building a better world with longevity for all. In that spirit, we are creating a series that covers 101 indisputable facts about ageing, health and longevity.

According to Guinness world records, the oldest cat to ever live was called Creme Puff. She was a mixed tabby born on August 3, 1967, and she lived until the age of 38. Her owner, Jake Perry of Austin, Texas, also owned the previous Guinness record holder – Granpa Rex Allen – who lived to the age of 34.

Creme Puff reportedly ate a (non vet-sanctioned) diet of dry cat food supplemented with broccoli, eggs, turkey bacon, coffee with cream, and every two days, an eyedropper full of red wine. Jake Perry also kept his cats active, building wooden steps into the walls of his house for them to climb on.