Creme Puff was a mixed Tabby domestic cat, owned by Jake Perry of Austin, Texas, US. The 2010 edition of Guinness World Records recorded her as the oldest cat ever when she died at the age of 38 years and 3 days on August 6, 2005. She was born on August 3, 1967, and lived through six US presidents and three different centuries. In this article, we will delve into Creme Puff extraordinary life, and the remarkable bond she shared with her human companions.
Lifestyle
Creme Puff’s owner, Jake Perry, said her diet consisted of dry cat food supplemented with broccoli, eggs, turkey bacon, coffee with cream, and—every two days—”an eyedropper full of red wine“. Perry claimed that this diet was key to her longevity and that the wine “circulated the arteries“. Perry also kept Creme Puff very active within the home, turning his garage into a movie theater that played nature documentaries for his cats. Perry built wooden steps into the walls of his home for the cats to climb on. He also built a screened enclosure in his backyard for his pets, including Creme Puff, to enjoy the outdoors.
Other Records
Creme Puff was not the only record-breaking cat that Perry owned. Another record-breaking cat that Perry owned was Granpa Rex Allen. He said Granpa was born in Paris, Texas, on February 1, 1964, and lived for 34 years and 59 days until he died on April 1, 1998. Cats & Kittens magazine posthumously awarded Granpa the 1999 Cat of the Year. An earlier version of the Guinness World Records featured him as the (then) oldest cat ever.
Comparison with Other Cats
Creme Puff’s record is remarkable considering that the average lifespan of a domestic cat is about 15 years. Some factors that may affect a cat’s longevity include breed, genetics, environment, diet, health care, and spaying/neutering. Some breeds are known to live longer than others, such as Siamese and Manx cats. However, Creme Puff was a mixed breed cat with no known pedigree. Her owner attributed her long life to her diet and lifestyle.
The current oldest living cat is Flossie, a British cat who is 26 years and 316 days old as of November 24, 2022. Flossie has seen different homes throughout her long life and has overcome many challenges. She is in good health, although poorly sighted and deaf. Her current owner says that she is still playful and curious.
The oldest cat ever verified by Guinness World Records before Creme Puff was Puss, who was born in 1903 and died in November 1939 at the age of 36 years and 1 day. Puss lived in Devonshire, England with his owners Mr. and Mrs. Tinsley. He was a black-and-white cat who enjoyed hunting mice.
Conclusion
Creme Puff was a remarkable cat who lived a long and happy life with her owner Jake Perry. She holds the record for the oldest cat ever recorded and is an inspiration for cat lovers everywhere. Her story shows that with proper care and love, cats can live well beyond their average lifespan.
