Meet the Cat Who Is Almost 30 Years Old and Still Looking Great
Some animals grow older in a way that feels gentle and steady, and every so often one stands out simply because it keeps its spark far longer than anyone expects. That’s the charm of a tortoiseshell cat in Stockport who consistently leaves people amazed when they hear her story.
Her name is Millie. According to her owner, Leslie Greenhough, she reached 30 years of age in 2025. She was born in 1995 and originally belonged to Leslie’s late wife, Paula. Millie came into his life more than ten years ago, back when he and Paula had just met on a dating site in 2012. During their early calls, he kept noticing a soft little meow in the background. That interruption turned out to be Millie, who eventually became his everyday companion.
A Remarkable Claim
Leslie believes Millie could be one of the oldest cats alive, but he has no way to fully prove her age. Paula was the only person who could confirm Millie’s early years, and she passed away in 2020 from COVID-19. Without old vet records or photographs, Guinness World Records can’t verify the claim. For comparison, the oldest confirmed cat, Creme Puff, lived to 38 years, so Millie would still fall into an incredibly rare age bracket. That possibility keeps Leslie hopeful that he might someday honor Paula by having Millie officially recognized.
What supports Millie’s unusual longevity is the calm rhythm of her daily life. She once roamed outdoors until neighborhood cats began picking on her, which eventually led her to stay inside. Leslie says that the shift shaped her gentle, cautious personality. She gravitates toward sun-warmed sofa backs, soft hiding spots, and the occasional nap on his bed or his lap. The predictability and comfort she prefers seem to suit her well, giving her a peaceful routine that likely helps her age as gracefully as she has.
A Diet With Personality
Ask Leslie why she’s still going strong, and he starts smiling. Treats are a constant theme in her life. She drinks Buxton bottled water and enjoys salmon, mini prawns, tuna, and warm chicken. He also mentions a rare surprise on the menu: a bit of Chinese spare rib, which she apparently loves. According to Leslie, affection plays just as big a role. He gives her plenty of attention and keeps her close. Their days follow a slow rhythm. She wakes around midday, stretches, and stays near him as he moves around the house.
A Bond Strengthened By Loss
Image via iStockphoto/Gianluca Pugliese
Paula’s death changed everything for both of them. Leslie says Millie sensed something was wrong. After Paula passed, the cat refused to eat, so he tried prawns and chicken to coax her back to normal. It took time, but she eventually settled into a new routine. Since then, the two have hardly been apart. He says he has only been away from her twice in the last 12 years, and she follows him constantly.
When Millie turned 30, Leslie celebrated in a big way. He had a cake made with her face on it and lit 30 candles. The day felt special to him because he sees each year as proof of her resilience. She licked the cream off the top, enjoyed the attention, and carried on in her usual calm way.
Millie has lived through changing households, a marriage, loss, and years of quiet afternoons. She still looks great, still enjoys her meals, and still acts like she knows she runs the place.