Flossie, the cat officially recognized as the world’s oldest living feline, has just marked an extraordinary milestone by turning 30. The British shorthair with a tortoiseshell coat celebrated the occasion on December 29, 2025, reinforcing her reputation as a true wonder of the pet world. For cat lovers, it’s the kind of birthday that feels almost unbelievable, yet Flossie keeps proving that a long, gentle life is possible.
Her story began far from a cozy sofa. Born on December 29, 1995, Flossie was first found as a kitten in a feral colony near St Helens Hospital in Merseyside. After being rescued, she moved through different chapters of care before eventually landing in a home where her senior years could be properly cherished. In 2022, her age was officially confirmed when she was recognized as the oldest living cat at 26 years and 316 days, an age often compared to about 120 human years.
Today, Flossie lives with Vicki Green in Orpington, who adopted her through the UK charity Cats Protection after Flossie’s previous owners passed away. Green has said she knew from the start that Flossie was special, even if she never expected to share her home with a record holder. Her goal was simple and heartfelt, to give an older cat the comfort and calm they deserve late in life. That decision turned into a partnership with a cat who has quietly become famous for simply being herself.
Like many pets of advanced age, Flossie is deaf and her eyesight isn’t what it used to be. Even so, she’s described as being in good health overall, still affectionate and surprisingly playful. Cats Protection notes that her days have long been shaped by consistency, with gentle play, regular meals, and plenty of sleep forming the backbone of her routine. There may be no single magic trick behind her longevity, but stability and attentive care seem to be part of her winning formula.
Flossie’s achievement is remarkable, though she isn’t the oldest cat ever recorded. That title belongs to Creme Puff, a mixed-breed cat from Austin, Texas, who was born on August 3, 1967, and lived until August 6, 2005, reaching 38 years and three days. Still, Flossie’s 30th birthday is a rare reminder of what can happen when luck, resilience, and devoted care meet at just the right time.
Have you ever known a pet who surprised you with their age or energy, and what do you think helps animals thrive for so long? Share your thoughts in the comments.
