A tortoiseshell cat in Greater Manchester has reached the remarkable age of 31 years, potentially making her the oldest living feline on the planet. Millie, born in 1995, has spent more than three decades under the care of Leslie Greenhough, who inherited the cat from his late wife.
The 71-year-old owner credits an unusual dietary regimen for Millie's extraordinary lifespan: exclusively Buxton spring water for the past ten years, combined with a diet of premium proteins and regular affection.
"I am very proud she has made it to 31," Greenhough told SWNS. "She is a real trooper."
Greenhough's late wife originally brought Millie home as a three-month-old kitten. The family marked her birthday earlier this year with a special celebration, serving her a bowl filled with chicken.
The switch to bottled spring water came about through an unexpected circumstance. When construction crews worked on water pipes near Greenhough's residence, local authorities delivered Buxton bottled water to his doorstep because he qualified as a vulnerable person due to his age.
"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," Greenhough told SWNS. "She only drinks Buxton water—and has a daily diet of salmon, prawns, chicken and tuna."
Beyond hydration and nutrition, Greenhough believes Millie's temperament has contributed to her longevity. The cat has developed what he describes as a cautious, shy personality over the years, becoming increasingly relaxed around the house as she aged.
"Millie is around 146—in human years. I think that says it all really. Imagine being 146 years-old—I can't," he told SWNS. "She's developed a cautious attitude; she's very shy. I think that's helped her live longer."
Recent heat waves across the United Kingdom have required additional care measures. Greenhough now keeps two fans running continuously for Millie and adds ice cubes to her water bowl to help regulate her body temperature.
Despite Millie's impressive age, Greenhough faces obstacles in securing official recognition. He describes getting her into the Guinness Book of Records as his life ambition, but lacks sufficient documentation to prove her birth year. The only evidence he possesses is a photograph from 1995 showing Millie eating from a food bowl, taken by his late wife.
"Unfortunately, the only person who can do that is my late wife," Greenhough told SWNS.
The current verified record holder for oldest living cat belongs to Flossie from the United Kingdom, who is 30 years old. The all-time record remains with Creme Puff, an American cat who lived to 38 years and three days.
Reflecting on Millie's achievement, Greenhough expressed confidence his late wife would be astonished by the cat's continued vitality. The tortoiseshell's journey from a three-month-old kitten in 1995 to a potential record-breaking senior cat demonstrates the impact of attentive care and, perhaps, the benefits of quality hydration.
