Cats have always fascinated us with their grace, agility, and mysterious nature. But did you know that some cats have gone beyond the ordinary and achieved extraordinary feats? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the astonishing world of feline achievements and explore some unbelievable records set by cats. From the biggest and smallest cats to the oldest and most prolific, these cats have left a pawprint in the Guinness World Records. Join us on this extraordinary journey into the realm of extraordinary cats.
The Biggest Cat in the World
When we think of big cats, we usually imagine lions and tigers. But did you know that the biggest cat in the world according to the Guinness World Records is not a wild cat, but a domestic one? Meet Himmy, a neutered tabby male cat from Australia. Himmy weighed a staggering 21.3 kg, making him the heaviest cat ever recorded. Sadly, Himmy passed away at the age of 10, but his record still stands to this day.
Another contender for the title of the biggest cat in the world is Edward Baer, a cat from Sydney, Australia. Although unverified, there are reports of Edward weighing a whopping 21.7 kg. If confirmed, Edward would surpass Himmy and claim the Guinness World Record for the largest cat.
The Smallest Cat in the World
While some cats break records for their size, others make their mark with their tininess. The smallest cat in the world, according to the Guinness World Records, is the Singapura breed. Adult males weigh an average of 2.72 kg, while adult females weigh 1.81 kg. However, the Guinness record for the smallest cat goes to Ebony-Eb-Hani, a male Siamese hybrid from Idaho, USA. At just 0.79 kg, Ebony-Eb-Hani was a true miniature marvel.
But even smaller than Ebony-Eb-Hani is a cat of the Munchkin breed named Fizz Gyol. This Guinness world record cat is not only small by breed standards but also smaller than any other cat. With a length of only 15.2 centimeters from shoulders to floor, Fizz Gyol defies expectations. Despite its small stature, Fizz Gyol’s owner assures us that the cat has no problems and can run and climb furniture like any other cat.
The Oldest Cat in the World
Cats are known for their longevity, but some cats manage to defy the odds and live exceptionally long lives. The Guinness World Record for the oldest cat goes to Lucy, a tabby cat from Llaneli. At an astonishing 42 years old, Lucy was nominated as the oldest cat in the world. In human years, that’s approximately 170 years! Despite losing her hearing, Lucy could still run and even hunt mice.
Before Lucy, the oldest cat on record was Puss, a tabby cat from Clayhydon, UK. Puss celebrated her 36th birthday in 1939 before passing away the next day. Another notable cat in the Guinness World Records is Ma, a tabby cat from Drusteigton, UK, who lived to be 34 years old before being euthanized. These remarkable feline lifespans remind us of the potential for longevity in our beloved pets.
Twins with Unbelievable Longevity
In the world of cats, twins are not uncommon, but twins with extraordinary longevity are a rare find. Meet Bo and Bubbles, the Guinness World Record twin cats who lived for an impressive number of years. Born on October 17, 1963, Bo and Bubbles were owned by Diana Phelps from Michigan, USA. Bubbles lived for 21 years and 6 months, while Bo lived for 22 years and 2 months. These long-lived twin cats were of the long-haired variety, with a mix of Persian breed.
The Cat with the Largest Litter
Cats are known for their ability to have multiple kittens in a single litter, but some take it to the extreme. Tarawood Antigon, a four-year-old brown Burmese cat from the UK, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest litter. On August 7, 1970, Tarawood gave birth to a staggering 19 kittens, although sadly, 4 of them were stillborn. Among the surviving kittens, there were 14 males and 1 female, making Tarawood’s litter a record-breaking feat.
Another cat that deserves mention is Bluebell, a Persian cat from South Africa. In December 1974, Bluebell gave birth to 14 live kittens, and remarkably, all of them survived. Bluebell’s exceptional litter adds to the list of Guinness World Record holding cats.
The Most Prolific Cats
Some cats have a natural talent for reproducing, and they take it to the extreme. Dusty, a tabby cat from Texas, USA, holds the Guinness World Record for the most kittens born in a lifetime. Dusty gave birth to an astonishing 420 kittens throughout her life. Her last litter, on June 12, 1952, consisted of a single kitten. Dusty’s incredible feat of fertility is truly remarkable.
Another prolific cat is Kitty, who holds the record for the oldest cat to give birth. At the age of 30, Kitty gave birth to two kittens, adding to her total of 218 kittens in her lifetime. Sadly, Kitty passed away just before her 32nd birthday, leaving behind an impressive legacy.
The Most Expensive Cat Breeds
While some cats break records for their size, longevity, or fertility, others make headlines for their price tag. The most expensive cats in European countries, as of May 1993, were the Sphynx breed imported from the USA and Canada, with prices reaching up to $2,000. The West German Devon Rex cats were also highly sought after, selling for $1,000. These high prices reflect the beauty, rarity, and desirability of these unique cat breeds.
Extraordinary Cat Facts and Records
Cats never cease to amaze us, and some cats have achieved records that are truly out of the ordinary. Leo, a cat from Chicago, once held the record for the longest cat in the world, measuring 121.9 centimeters. However, Leo was later surpassed by Stewie, a cat from the USA, who measured an incredible 123.2 centimeters from nose to tail tip.
In Finland, there is a cat named Missy, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest mustache on a cat. Her mustache measures a remarkable nineteen centimeters, thirteen centimeters longer than an average cat’s mustache. Missy’s unique feature sets her apart from her feline peers.
In the world of genetic anomalies, there is a cat named Frank-and-Louis, who was born with two muzzles due to a mutation. This rare condition usually results in the death of the animal, but Frank-and-Louis defied the odds and survived. With three eyes, two noses, and two mouths, this Guinness world record cat is truly one of a kind.
Finally, we have Smoky, a Guinness world record cat with the strongest vocal cords. Smoky’s purring can reach an astounding volume of 92 decibels, equivalent to a Boeing plane coming in to land. Smoky’s owner attests that the loud purring often interferes with daily activities like watching TV or talking on the phone.
Conclusion
Cats are extraordinary creatures, and these records serve as a testament to their uniqueness and resilience. From the biggest to the smallest, the oldest to the most prolific, and the most expensive to the most unusual, cats continue to captivate us with their remarkable achievements. Whether they leave a pawprint in the Guinness World Records or simply in our hearts, these cats will forever hold a special place in the annals of feline history. So next time you encounter a cat, remember that it may just be a potential record-breaker in its own right.