The oldest verified cat ever was Creme Puff, who lived to 38 years and 3 days. Long-lived cats make good stories, but records are hard to prove, so this guide separates the verified from the disputed.
The oldest verified cat: Creme Puff
Creme Puff lived in the United States from 3 August 1967 to 6 August 2005, reaching 38 years and 3 days. She is recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest cat ever recorded. In human terms, that is far beyond the typical range for a pet cat.
Other long-lived cats on record
| Cat | Reported age | Lived | Country | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creme Puff | 38 years, 3 days | 1967 to 2005 | United States | Guinness record |
| Ma | 34 years, 5 months | 1923 to 1957 | United Kingdom | Described as the greatest reliable age recorded at the time |
| Puss | 36 years, 1 day | 1903 to 1939 | United Kingdom | Reported, not independently verified |
| Baby | 37 to 38 years | c. 1970 to 2008 | United States | Age evidence is limited |
| Granpa Rexs Allen | 34 years, 2 months | 1964 to 1998 | United States | Disputed: owner later said the age had been miscalculated |
Treat the unverified entries as stories rather than facts. Without birth records, the age of an old cat is easy to overstate.
What about the oldest living cat?
Guinness World Records keeps the official title of oldest living cat, and it changes whenever a cat passes away or a new claim is verified. Check the Guinness World Records website for the current holder instead of relying on an older article.
How long do ordinary cats live?
Most pet cats do not reach their thirties. For averages and what changes them, see how long cats live. Indoor cats commonly live well into their teens, and the oldest cats are exceptions. Some breeds are known for living longer than others, which you can compare in our breed lifespan guides, such as the Siamese, Russian Blue and British Shorthair.
What helps a cat live longer?
- Regular vet care: yearly checks for adults and at least twice a year for seniors.
- A healthy weight: overweight cats face more health problems.
- Safe living: cats allowed outside unsupervised face more risks such as traffic, injuries and infections.
- Dental care: dental disease is common in older cats.
- A suitable diet: match food to life stage and follow your vet's advice.
- A calm, enriched home: play and mental stimulation matter at every age.
No habit guarantees a long life. Genetics and chance play a part. For the full picture see how cats age and cat life stages.
How old is the oldest cat in human years?
Using the usual rough conversion, a 38-year-old cat would be well over 150 in human years. Try your own cat's age in the PurrAge calculator, or read how old your cat is in human years.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the oldest cat ever?
Creme Puff, who lived 38 years and 3 days from 1967 to 2005, is recognised as the oldest verified cat ever.
Can a cat live to 30?
It is rare but possible. A small number of cats have been reported at 30 or more, but most pet cats live considerably less.
Do indoor cats live longer?
In general, cats kept indoors or in a safe enclosure avoid many outdoor risks, which is why vets such as Cornell's Feline Health Center recommend it.
Which breed lives the longest?
Several breeds are known for long lives, but individual cats vary far more than breeds do. Compare breeds in our breed guide hub.
Longevity records are anecdotal when birth records are missing. This article is general information, not veterinary advice.