This happy ending story comes out of the RSPCA’s Southall cattery in west London, where a cat named Banjo was dumped earlier this month. Beautiful Banjo is currently waiting to go to his forever home at the end of the month, should he remain unclaimed. The RSPCA is doing their best to find whether Banjo has an owner out there missing him, and anyone with information is asked to contact them at 0300 123 0746.
Banjo was microchipped back in 1991 in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire when he was only two years old. That would make him 27 now. Unfortunately, when the RSPCA called the number listed on the microchip information, no one returned their calls.
Aneel Odhwani, the animal care assistant at the cattery decided to do a Google search on oldest living cats and has learned Banjo may be the oldest living cat in the country. Guinness World Records has been applied to, and it is likely Banjo will soon be bestowed with that honor.
Beverly Leavy, centre manager says of their very special old man
“Banjo must have used up all of his nine lives by now. He is such a charming, sweet old man, he is eating well and enjoying life in the cattery.”
Despite being at least 27, Banjo is very undemanding. He loves eating and being groomed. People who have seen Banjo on social media can’t believe how old he is because he looks so young. The veterinarian who examined him say he’s in good health, his only issue being a few missing teeth.
Cat expert Alice Potter with the RSPCA is a great promoter of senior felines, saying
“It’s a great achievement for Banjo to still be healthy. It goes to show that elderly cats shouldn’t be overlooked; they still have a lot of life in them and a lot of love to give.”
No one knows why someone would have abandoned Banjo. Most of the time money issues or being evicted or moving to a new home are involved. Regardless, Banjo has an adopter waiting to take him in at the end of the month, where he can live out his days in peace and quiet.
Best of luck in your new life, Banjo. If only you could tell us your story.
Elisa
Sure Michael. However, what little there is is mostly bad news, but I’ll follow with how she’s doing. Only a first exam and some tests have been performed so far. She has a mass on her abdomen the size of her head. The vet is sure it’s cancerous but don’t know yet. It is on rather than in, but likely the ribs are now involved so probably not operable. She could barely walk. Whoever let her get to this point is just criminal. No excuse as she is completely docile and friendly. Her blood test is near critical. High whites, low reds, everything is red-zoned. No leukemia or feline aids. One thing at a time we’re addressing infection and general health, and after one day she’s perked up a lot and almost (almost) has a spring in her step. Responding to the anti-biotic and special food well, she’s mostly very grateful. Next would be a biopsy and ultra-sound, which I can’t afford. The neighbors where I found her are all playing ignorant and careless. She’s a much better person than they. She’s also fitting in with my other cats already. Just a treasure. I have to visit nearby vets to ask if they’ve seen or remember her. If someone misses her that’s one thing, but if they gave up that’s another. I’ve seen no flyers and I’ll have to go through various “lost” lists. I’ll get back. Thanks for the interest!
Bless you, Albert.
I’m so happy that, maybe, her last days will be with you. I can’t say enough about idiots who may know her, turn a blind eye, and won’t take any responsibility.
Do you really need a firm diagnosis of cancer by biopsy and ultrasound? Would you treat her any differently based on that? I wouldn’t. I go by gut and knowing if any cat may be suffering.
She sounds to be rebounding and even happy to be safe and cared for by you.
Thank you for such compassion.
Here she is. I call her Aubrey, and in 27 days she’ll be legally mine and I’ll register her chip with me… if she’s still alive.
Wow, Albert. She’s gorgeous. Can you tell me some more about Aubrey? I may have missed a previous post of yours on this. I’d love to know more.
I can’t believe I have a similar story to tell, and it’s not over. I just took in a stray who’s microchip number is at least 15 years old, but I have a feeling this cat may be 20 years old or more. Also the chip was never registered by the owner, making this investigation difficult if not impossible. This poor girl is incredibly sweet but in dire straights health-wise. I won’t go into those details save to say I’m doing all I can for her. I’ll update on any progress, and when I fix the computer with pics of her I’ll post one.