Leslie Greenhough, 70, recently threw a birthday party for his tortoiseshell cat, Millie, who he says has reached an extraordinary milestone—turning 30 years old. The celebration included a custom cake adorned with Millie’s face, which the feline happily licked clean on the warm summer day.
“It was a fantastic day—such an achievement that she’s turned 30,” Greenhough told SWNS. “She loved the cream on her cake.”
Secrets to a Long Life: Prawns, Cuddles, and Mineral Water
Greenhough attributes Millie’s longevity to a pampered lifestyle: a diet of salmon, prawns, chicken, and tuna, along with Buxton mineral water—her only drink of choice. The cat also enjoys plenty of rest, leisurely naps behind the sofa or in bed, and occasional garden strolls.
“She likes to do her own thing,” he said. “A cat is a cat, really.”
But life hasn’t always been easy for Millie. After being bullied by neighborhood cats, she became more cautious and primarily stayed indoors—a change Greenhough believes contributed to her long life.
A Bond Forged Through Love and Loss
Millie originally belonged to Greenhough’s late wife, Paula, who adopted her as a kitten in 1995. When Greenhough met Paula in 2012 through the dating site Plenty of Fish, Millie quickly became part of his family.
“Millie was such a sweet cat when I first met her—though very shy,” he recalled.
Tragedy struck in 2020 when Paula passed away from COVID-19. The loss deeply affected both Greenhough and Millie, who initially refused to eat. “It was incredibly difficult on both of us,” he said. “Over time, she returned to her normal diet.”
A Quest for the Record Books
Greenhough hopes to secure Millie a spot in the Guinness World Records as one of the oldest living cats. Currently, the title belongs to Flossie, who was recognized in 2025 at nearly 27 years old.
“My life ambition is to get Millie in the Guinness Book of Records,” Greenhough said. “The only person who could verify her age is my late wife, but I won’t give up.”
As Millie continues to thrive, her story stands as a testament to love, resilience, and the power of premium seafood.
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