World's oldest cat 'settling in well' to new life in leafy London suburb

The oldest cat in the world still loves affection, has a healthy appetite at the grand old age of 27 – and is enjoying life in a loving new home.

Flossie was born in 1995 and has been recognised as the world's oldest living cat by Guinness World Records – with her age being the equivalent of at least 120 in human years.

She was signed over to the Cats Protection charity in Kent last year after her previous owner was no longer able to keep such an elderly cat.

But now Flossie has been re-homed in Orpington, south-east London, with new owner Vicki Green – who at 27 is the same age as her record-breaking cat.

Despite some health issues, Flossie is nothing but a delight to Green.

She said: "She's deaf and with failing eyesight but none of that seems to bother her. She's completely with it, loves affection and has a very good appetite.

"She never turns her nose up at the chance of a good meal, except when she's snuggled on her favourite yellow blanket."

Green added: "I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat, but I didn't imagine I'd be sharing my home with a Guinness World Records title holder.

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"She's so affectionate, playful and sweet, especially when you remember how old she is. I'm immensely proud that Cats Protection matched me with such an amazing cat."

Flossie had been living in a colony of stray cats near a Merseyside hospital when two workers took pity on them and each homed a cat in 1995.

Her owner died after 10 years but Flossie was taken in by her sister, where she stayed for another 14 years until the new owner also died.

For the next three years, Flossie lived with the sister's son, until his situation forced him to take his pet to Cats Protection.

Naomi Rosling, co-ordinator at the organisation's Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and District branch, which re-homed Flossie, said: "She's the oldest cat I’ve ever met, at least 120 in human years.

"If I'm in such good shape when I'm her age, with someone who does what's best for me when I need it most, I shall be a very happy lady."

Green, whose previous cat Honeybun lived until the age of 21, has encouraged more people to consider adopting older cats.

She said: "Older cats can need particular care and being the oldest living cat, Flossie isn't any different.

"She sometimes misses her litter box or needs help grooming herself, but I can help with all of that. We’re in this together."

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief at Guinness World Records, said: "We were so excited to hear about the lovely Flossie and celebrate her long life – it's not every day you come across a cat who has been around since the mid-90s.

"This is the human equivalent of over 120 years old, which would put her on par with Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian who lived to 122 years, 164 days and holds the record for the oldest person ever.

"We're happy to see Flossie settled and enjoying all the home comforts she deserves in her later life."