Feline Flossie may be deaf, half-blind and missing most of her teeth but she is celebrating becoming a VIP - a Very Important Pet - after being named the world's oldest cat.

Flossie was signed over to Cats Protection volunteers and faced an uncertain future when her owner was unable to look after her.

Now, just weeks before the mighty moggy turns 27, she has a new lease of one of her nine lives, sharing the Orpington home of her new owner, executive assistant Vicki Green, who is also 27.

Vicki said: “I knew from the start that Flossie was special. But I didn’t imagine I’d be sharing my home with a Guinness World Records title holder. When I heard she was the oldest cat in the world I was shocked.

"She’s so affectionate, playful and sweet, especially when you remember how old she is. I’m immensely proud that Cats Protection matched me with such an amazing cat."

Vicki admitted: “She’s deaf and has failing eyesight and only has three teeth but none of that seems to bother her. She’s completely with it, loves affection and has a very good appetite. She never turns her nose up at the chance of a good meal, except when she’s snuggled on her favourite yellow blanket.”

Naomi Rosling, coordinator at Cats Protection’s Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and District Branch, said: “We were flabbergasted when vet records showed Flossie to be nearly 27 years old. She’s the oldest cat I've ever met; at least 120 in human years. If I’m in such good shape when I'm her age I shall be a very happy lady.”

Craig Glenday, editor in chief at Guinness World Records, said: "We were so excited to hear about the lovely Flossie and celebrate her long life. It’s not every day you come across a cat which has been around since the mid-nineties. This is the human equivalent of being 120 years old which would put her on a par with Jeanne Calment, the French super-centenarian who lived to 122 years 164 days and holds the record for the oldest person ever."

Vicki said: "Flossie was loud for the first few nights because she can’t see in the dark and was a bit confused by her new surroundings. But she sleeps through the night now and snuggles on the bed with me."

Her previous cat Honeybun lived until 21.

Vicki said: "Older cats have a lot of love to give but can need particular care. Being the oldest living cat, Flossie isn’t any different. She sometimes misses her litter box or needs help grooming herself but I can help with all of that."

She added: "Older cats are often overlooked. I'd recommend anyone to give older cats a chance."

Flossie was born on December 29, 1995, when Oasis, Blur and Pulp were still battling in the pop charts, Michael Jackson had just released Earth Song, John Major had become the leader of the Conservative Party and England goal-scorer Jack Grealish was born.

She had been living in a colony of stray cats near a Merseyside hospital when two workers took pity on them and homed a cat each.

After 10 years, Flossie's original owner died and the cat was taken in by her owner's sister. After another 14 years, the cat's second owner also died.

For the next three years, Flossie lived with the woman’s son in Kent until he finally handed the family cat over to Cats Protection.

Naomi said: "It wasn’t an easy decision. He'd promised to take care of Flossie’s needs but, in ways that matter most, that is exactly what he has done. He sought our help when it was in Flossie’s best interests. Responsible cat ownership is when someone thinks about an animal’s needs above their own feelings.”

Vicki added: "I’ve always wanted to give older cats a comfortable later life. All they really want is a comfy bed in a warm loving home and they give so much love in return.

“Cats Protection has a lot of mature cats in need of homes and they don’t need to be high maintenance. All they really want is a cuddle and somewhere warm to sleep. I’m glad that Cats Protection matched me with Flossie; adopting her has been rewarding for us both.”

Cats Protection created Mature Moggies Days (June 16) to celebrate older cats and recognise their welfare needs.

Flossie's age was verified by Guinness World Records on November 10 as 26 years 316 days.