Millie, a 31-year-old tortoiseshell cat, is believed by her owner, Leslie Greenhough, to be the world's oldest living feline. Her longevity is attributed to a specific diet and a sheltered lifestyle.
Greenhough, 71, feeds Millie a diet consisting of bottled mineral water, salmon, prawns, chicken, and tuna, supplemented with frequent treats and affection. He has been giving her Buxton mineral water for the past decade, initially due to local water pipe maintenance that resulted in discolored tap water.
Millie celebrated her 31st birthday in March, which is equivalent to approximately 146 human years. To mark the occasion, Greenhough had a cake made featuring Millie's face, complete with 30 candles.
Greenhough acquired Millie when she was three months old, after meeting his late wife, Paula, who was the cat's original owner. Paula passed away in 2020. Greenhough noted that Millie experienced a period of not eating after Paula's death but has since returned to her regular diet.
According to Greenhough, Millie's cautious and shy nature, developed after being bullied by neighborhood cats, has contributed to her long life. She transitioned into an indoor cat, spending much of her time sleeping or occasionally playing in the garden.
Greenhough mentioned that recent heatwaves affected Millie, leading him to use fans and ice cubes to keep her cool. He expressed a desire for Millie to be recognized in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest cat, but stated that he lacks the necessary documentation to prove her age, as his late wife was the one who could provide such proof.