Nutmeg, thought to be the world’s oldest living cat, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the age of 32.
A couple from Newcastle (UK) adopted Nutmeg after finding him in their garden back in the ’90s. At the time, vets told them he was at least five years of age.
Months after celebrating his 31st birthday, Nutmeg was taken to the vet with breathing difficulties, but vets were unable to save him after he suffered heart failure.
Until his passing, he was thought to be the oldest cat in the world, taking the crown of 26-year-old Corduroy, the Guinness World Record holder.
Nutmeg surely made the most of his nine lives, undergoing life-saving treatment after suffering a stroke. He fought back to health but had to be put to sleep following his latest illness.
His heartbroken owners said the passing of their beloved pet has left a massive hole in their lives.
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His mom said: ‘I feel as though my heart has been ripped out. He was a huge character who was dearly loved.’
His dad added: ‘I can hardly put into words how much we miss him. It has left a big hole in our lives, but we still feel he is with us in spirit.
‘After he crossed, we just had to get away for a week’s holiday, but it’s done nothing to heal the pain as he was such a special pet.’
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Nutmeg’s vet said: ‘Having cats of 20-21 registered with the practice is becoming more and more common. But Nutmeg was a real exception because he was 10 years older than our oldest feline patients.’
Cats are living longer thanks to better nutrition, better care, and better monitoring of patients. He was clearly a much-loved family pet to have had such a long, happy life with his mom and dad.
