Poppy becomes world's oldest cat at grand old age of 24

Tuesday 20 May 2014 at 6:05pm

Poppy with her celebratory cat meat birthday meal as she celebrates reaching 24. Credit: SWNS

At 24, Poppy the moggy has become a Guinness world record holder after being recognised as the world's oldest cat.

The Bournemouth feline was born in February 1990, the same month Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

She has lived through five British Prime Ministers, the creation of the internet and also witnessed the millennium in her time.

After becoming blind and deaf in her twilight years, she now spends most of her day inside relaxing.

Poppy the cat in 1997. Credit: SWNS

After Poppy reached the equivalent of 114 in human years, owner Jacqui West wrote to Guinness World Records to claim the 'oldest living cat’ title.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, said:

Poppy, the 24 year old cat from Bournemouth with owner Jacqui West and her two sons. Credit: SWNS

Speaking to Guinness World Records, her owner Jacqui West said Poppy's longevity is down to exercise and even a taste for KFC chicken:

Previous to Poppy, the oldest recorded cat in history was a feline called Creme Puff who was born on 3 August 1967 and lived until 6 August 2005 - which was an incredible 38 years and three days.