Born in 1995: Greater Manchester’s Millie turns 31 and still going strong
An Englishman says he lives with the world’s oldest cat — a tortoiseshell named Millie, born in 1995, making her 31 years old.
Millie was first owned by Leslie Greenhough’s late wife, who took her in as a 3-month-old kitten. Now 71, Leslie says Millie’s long lifespan comes down to natural care, “lots of treats” and “cuddles on the sofa.” For the past decade, she has only been given natural mineral water to drink.
The family from Greater Manchester celebrated Millie’s birthday earlier this year by treating her to a bowl full of chicken. “I am very proud she has made it to 31,” Leslie told SWNS. “She is a real trooper.”Leslie says his “life ambition” is to get Millie into the Guinness Book of Records, but proving her age has been a challenge. “Unfortunately, the only person who can do that is my late wife,” he said. The only item of proof he has is a photograph taken in 1995 of Millie eating out of a food bowl.
A unique story explains how mineral water became her drink of choice. When work was being done on local water pipes, bottled Buxton water was dropped off at Leslie’s door because he is classified as a vulnerable person. He started giving it to Millie too. “When I turned my taps back on afterwards, dirty water came out, so I chose to stick with the Buxton, which I have stuck with ever since,” he said.
Today, Millie only drinks Buxton water. Her daily diet consists of salmon, prawns, chicken and tuna. “Millie is around 146 — in human years. I think that says it all really. Imagine being 146 years old — I can’t,” Leslie said.
He believes her personality has also helped her live long. “She’s developed a cautious attitude; she’s very shy. I think that’s helped her live longer.” With age, Millie has become more “relaxed” and “chilled out” around the house. “My wife would be amazed with how well she is doing.”She has needed extra care lately due to the heatwave engulfing the UK. Millie now has two fans blowing on her at all times, and ice cubes in her water bowl to keep her cool.
For context, the oldest cat ever confirmed by Guinness World Records was Creme Puff, who lived to 38 years and 3 days. The oldest living cat currently verified is Flossie from the UK, who is 30 years old.
