Norfolk-based cat named Rosie set for world record as oldest alive

As the fluffy tortoise-shell cat approaches her 32nd birthday, owner Lila Brissett has been urged to submit her pet to the Guinness Book of World Records. The 71-year-old from Norwich, Norfolk has owned Rosie since the early 90s and is now in the running to gain a global title for her feline companion, who would be 144 years old in human years.

While the mixed-breed cat has surpassed the average lifespan of a domestic cat by some time, she has had a rather ordinary existence.

Since being taken in by her owner Lila as a kitten, the 31-year-old cat has visited the vet just twice.

And despite her potentially record-breaking age, Rosie’s owner revealed she has no plans to give up their unassuming life in the East of England.

Lila explained that her feline companion is now a full-time house cat at their home near Eaton Park in Norwich.

Rosie’s long life can’t be credited to one single thing, though Lila did note that she is a creature of habit.

She said that “on her birthday and Christmas Day she always has John West red salmon. Purina One is all she will eat. You try changing it and she’ll kick up a fuss.”

Lila added that her pet is “quite a character”, and even still has “all her teeth”.

The pair’s history dates back to the 1990s when Lila adopted a young Rosie from a cat rescue lady in Lakenham.

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According to the paper, the now-elderly cat was given up by her first owner when they realised their daughter was allergic to Rosie’s fur.

Born to a grey rag doll mother and ginger tom father on June 1, 1991, Rosie is a mixed breed – hence her bushy squirrel tail” and red-toned fleece.

And to add to her description, she is now in the running to oust the world’s current oldest living feline, 27-year-old Flossie, from southeast London.

As a fellow tortoise-shell cat, Flossie currently holds the Guinness World Record with her age equal to 120 human years.

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Like Rosie, Flossie has had several homes in her long life, though she now resides with Vicki Green in the British capital.

Her owner, who ironically is also aged 27 said: “I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat, but I didn’t imagine I’d be sharing my home with a Guinness World Records title holder.

“She’s so affectionate, playful and sweet, especially when you remember how old she is.”

But after a spokesperson urged Rosie’s owner to apply for the title, Flossie could lose her world-renowned status.

A spokeswoman from Guinness World Records said: “We would encourage Lila to make an application for Rosie via the Guinness World Records website for our Records Management Team to review.”

However, the 71-year-old explained that last year she had reached out to see if Rosie could take the title, and was informed of a living 34-year-old cat in Oxford and an American feline in the US who is 38.

As Rosie’s 32nd birthday approaches, Lila admitted that she is “worried” about the day she “crosses over the rainbow bridge”.

For now, the Norwich cat owner will continue to plan ahead for her pet’s big birthday in June, when she plans on throwing a party.

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