“CENTENARIAN” CATS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29712, 4 January 1962, Page 3

“CENTENARIAN” CATS

Two Sprightly Tabbies

"The Press" Special Service WELLINGTON, Jan. 3. Two male tabby cats owned by Mr and Mrs A. Griffith, of Karori, are as sprightly as youngsters at the ripe old ages of 18 and 15 respectively. This makes them centenarians at least, interpreted in terms of human life. According to veterinarians each year of a cat’s life is equivalent to between six and seven human ones. The average life expectancy of a cat is about 12 years, veterinarians say. But quite a few live a few years longer, and 21 was mentioned by two city veterinarians as the top age they had encountered. Thumper, aged 18. and Benny, 15, though unrelated, have lived together for years. Thumper was well established when Benny walked in 15 years ago and made himself at home. Both cats are grey, Benny being much the lighter and slighter of the two. Thumper is a huge animal of about 201 b. His ruddy health and long life could be attributable to his “old salt” stock. When the Waitaki, a supply ship in the Pacific during World War IT, put into Melbourne in 1943. the ship's cat Minnie took shore leave one night. Thumper was the result. He was born at sea on Christmas Eve and spent several sea-gqing years with Mr Griffith who was the chief steward. Thumper celebrated his Christmas birthday this year with a crayfish dinner, a top favourite on his list of menus which vary from chicken to steak and kidney. Both cats are extremely well coated, active and are still good climber*.