Flossie, the world’s oldest cat, is almost 27 years old

(CNN) — Flossie, at nearly 27 years old, is the cat equivalent of 120 human years. Guinness World RecordsCrowned the world’s oldest living cat.

The British brown and black cat received official Guinness World Record recognition Thursday at 26 years and 329 days, according to a news release. Although visually impaired and deaf, he is said to be in good health.

“I knew Flossie was a special cat, but I never imagined I’d be sharing my home with a world record holder,” said Vicky Green, who adopted the elderly pet after she surrendered it to Cat England. Welfare charity Cats Protection in August.

“She’s so loving and playful, especially sweet considering how old she is. I’m so honored that Cats Rescue has paired me with such an amazing cat.”

Flossie has been in many different homes since she was one A stray kitten In the first months of his life in 1995, near Merseyside Hospital in Liverpool, North West England.

She was adopted by a hospital worker and lived with her for 10 years before her owner died. Flossie was raised by her late owner’s sister. After 14 years, its second owner died. She stayed with her second owner’s son for three years before the cats were handed over to conservation volunteers.

It was then that word of his incredible age began to spread, and the journey to confirm his feat began.

“We were shocked to see Flossie’s vet records show she was 27 years old,” Naomi Rosling, the charity’s branch co-ordinator, said in the statement.

Flossie is usually snuggled up in her favorite yellow blanket. Credit: Guinness World Records

Most cat owners prefer to adopt a much younger cat, as older animals often live out their last days in shelters.

“I’ve always wanted to give older cats a healthy afterlife,” said Green, who hopes Flossie’s story will inspire potential cat owners to offer shelters to older pets.

The oldest cat that ever lived, Cream Buff, reached 38 years and three days. He died on August 6, 2005.

The oldest former dog, Pebbles, a toy fox terrier, died on October 3, five months before her 23rd birthday. Gino Wolff, who lives with his owner in Los Angeles, is the current record holder at 22 years and 2 months.