At the impressive age of 24 (which is about 114 in human years), Poppy, a small yet esteemed tortoiseshell cat hailing from Bournemouth, UK, has recently been declared the world’s oldest cat by Guinness World Records. Born in February of 1990, Poppy has certainly stood the test of time.
In terms of cat years, Poppy falls just 2 years short of the world’s oldest person, Misao Okawa. With her owner Marguerite West by her side since the tender age of 5, Poppy has garnered quite a reputation for being a bit of a demanding diva at times. Marguerite jokingly refers to her as “stroppy Poppy,” as she is both deaf and blind, and tends to meow for attention at every opportunity. Despite her feisty nature, Poppy is lovingly cared for and doesn’t navigate stairs on her own, as her owner ensures her safety at all times.
Marguerite attributes Poppy’s remarkable longevity to a combination of diet and exercise. The secret to her long life? A balanced diet and staying active. Poppy enjoys taking walks and has a hearty appetite, never shying away from a treat. From KFC chicken to fish and chips to the occasional kebab meat, Poppy’s palate is quite eclectic for a feline, but it seems to be serving her well in her golden years.
In 1997, Maguerite was photographed with her two cats, Poppy and another feline friend.
Poppy relaxing at her residence in 1997
Poppy chilling at home alongside a feline friend in ’97.
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