The world’s oldest rainbow cat
The ‘world’s oldest rainbow cat has died at the age of 31 as his heartbroken owner, 52, who was given him as a kitten for her 20th birthday pays tribute to her beloved Rubble.-
Michele Heritage, 52, got Rubble as a kitten on her 20th birthday and they have been inseparable ever since…
Rubble, a fluffy Maine Coon became the oldest feline in the world after reaching 31 years old – the equivalent of almost 150 in human years – in May last year.
The geriatric moggy had no specific health issues but passed away from old age, becoming very thin, and went across the road ‘but never came back’, said his owner.
Michele got Rubble as a kitten for her 20th birthday, in May 1988 and they have been together ever since.
But Michele, from Exeter, has revealed that sadly he died before turning 32.
She puts his incredible longevity down to the fact she never had her children and pampered him like her child…
Rubble beat Scooter’s record, a 30-year old Siamese Texas cat who died in 2016. The fluffy moggy died just before reaching 32
She said: ‘He would have been 32 in May so it was such an achievement. He was an amazing companion that I had the pleasure to live with for such a long time.
‘I got him just before my 20th birthday when he was a kitten.’
Rubble beat the oldest living rainbow cat record of Scooter, a Siamese Texas, who was named as a record-breaker at the age of 30 by the Guinness Book of World Records before he died in 2016.
The oldest rainbow cat of all time according to the record books is Creme Puff who was born on August 3, 1967, and lived until August 6, 2005 – an amazing 38 years and three days.
Michele added: ‘We never went down the route of Guinness Book of Records. I didn’t want to do that given his age. The record wasn’t of interest to us…
‘He grew old very quickly towards the end, I said to my husband at Christmas that I think it would be last we spend with Rubble. He had started to stop eating and only drank water.
I went to work as usual and when I got home my husband said Rubble had gone over the road as he did every day and never came back, so we believe he went off to die as cats do.
‘He was a creature of habit, had his favorite places to sleep, and liked his food so when that stopped happening, we knew.’
Michele said she remembers the exact moment that she first met Rubble and claims to be 100 percent certain of the dates – because it was her 20th birthday…
How to take care of an old cat
On average, cats live longer than dogs. With good medical care, an active lifestyle, cooperating genes, and a little luck, a rainbow cat can live for more than twenty years.
However, you can’t ignore that your cat’s body will change over the years. Important functions of the body, which seem self-evident, can begin to slow down or malfunction.
As in humans, the senses eventually deteriorate, including sight, hearing, taste, and smell. Appetite may decrease and very old cats often become thinner, with prominent shoulders and spine. Talk to your vet if you are concerned.
On the other hand, older cats inevitably become more susceptible to disease. Kidney disease, often detected by increased thirst, is common in older cats, as is hyperthyroidism, an oversecretion of the thyroid hormone.
You may also notice a slight change in your cat’s behavior. Memory loss, disorientation, and doing your needs outside the litter are signs of age.
You may also notice that your pet sulks your knees and does not try too much to be petted, or walks around the house meowing heavily for no apparent reason. Try to reassure your cat but consult your veterinarian if you are worried.
However, with a good dose of love and attention, you can help your companion to age with serenity and dignity.
Appropriate medical care:
regular check-ups are a must for older cats. In addition to annual tests and vaccinations, discuss with your veterinarian special geriatric screenings: blood chemistry (for kidney and thyroid function), urine and cardiac tests, and weight and physical monitoring. Don’t forget vaccinations because your cat’s immune system would be less resistant. Also, try to note all the warning signs and report them to your vet.
Staying active:
As obesity and arthritis are two of the most common problems in older cats, it is important to have them exercise regularly.
A daily routine:
following the same routine is fundamental to your cat’s physical, mental, and emotional health as it reassures his comfort and provides a reassuring environment.
Healthy skin and coat:
As part of this routine, you can schedule an extra grooming session each week. Your cat may be less flexible and grooming stimulates and massages stiff joints.
Healthy teeth and gums:
the veterinarian must regularly provide dental care to your pet as older cats are more vulnerable to gum disease and tartar build-up. You should also check your cat’s teeth and gums regularly at home.
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