Rosie, a beloved tortoiseshell cat and unofficially the world’s oldest, has died at the age of 33. The feline, who celebrated her 33rd birthday on June 1, passed away peacefully in the hallway of her Norwich home. Rosie was in the care of her devoted owner, 73-year-old Lila Brissett, who had adopted her as a kitten.
Though the Guinness World Records currently recognizes Flossie, a 28-year-old cat from Kent, as the oldest living cat, Rosie had long been celebrated for her remarkable age, equivalent to 152 in human years. Lila Brissett shared her heartache, stating, “I miss her so much. She wasn’t very well and one day she just walked into the hallway of the house, laid down, and passed away.”
Lila, a widow, first took in Rosie in the 1990s after the kitten was given up by her previous owners due to an allergy in their family. Despite her advanced age, Lila had been dreading the day of Rosie’s passing. “I often have to check if she’s still alive and breathing. I’m worried about the day she crosses over the rainbow bridge. She’ll leave a big void,” Lila said, reflecting on their years together.
Rosie’s death marks the end of an era for her owner, who remains grateful for the many memories they shared. According to current records, the oldest living cat is 27 years old.
