What Is the Record for the Longest Living Pet Cat?

While the Guinness World Records keeps track of the oldest dogs, they don't officially keep records for the oldest cats. What that means is that they might list the oldest cat ever, but they don't keep current records, updated every year. As a result, many of the numbers available are just anecdotal. That doesn't make those numbers any less impressive, however.

  1. Oldest Cat Ever

    • According to Guinness World Records, the oldest cat ever reached the impressive age of 38 years and 3 days. The cat, named Creme Puff, died in 2005 in his hometown of Austin, Texas. The best bit: his guardian has owned two other cats -- Charlotte Webb and Grandpa Rex Allen -- who also made it into their 30s.

    A Contender

    • While the Guinness World Records doesn't recognize Lucy as the oldest cat in the world, she might very well be. Lucy lives in Llanelli, South Wales -- and according to her owners, is over 39 years old, a 2011 "Daily Mail" article reports. The reason Lucy hasn't been recognized is that there are no definite records -- such as a birth certificate from a breeder or vet records -- proving her age. Her owners believe she was born in 1972.

    Cats vs. Dogs

    • According to Guinness World Records, the oldest dog was Pusuke, who was 26 years and 8 months when he died in 2011. Pusuke was a mixed breed dog who lived in Japan. Compared to dogs, cats live much longer lives.

    So How Impressive Are Those Records?

    • The average indoor cat lives 13 to 17 years, according to the ASPCA. Outdoor cats live much less because of the many dangers that lurk outside, including traffic, predators, disease and poisoning. Cats start experiencing age-related health issues by the age of 7, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. By the time they reach 12, health issues such as dental disease, loss of hearing and arthritis become more common.