Is Ella, this much-loved moggy, the oldest in Kent?

Now an astonishing 24 years old, she’s living out life quietly with owner Jackie Smith in Newcomen Road, Sheerness.

In her day she was a champion mouser and rat catcher but these days prefers prawns, smoked salmon, pate and yoghurt.

Minus all her teeth except two yellowing fangs, she eats delicately and often and sleeps between meals.

Apart from being spayed as a kitten, she has never visited a vet. Until eight years ago, her companion was Fitz. She and Fitz, together with Gerald, came to Jackie via a regular at the Heights of Alma pub.

“I had to keep them all together even though I hadn’t considered taking on all three,” she said. “Christening them wasn’t too difficult as Ella Fitzgerald was my favourite singer – so two toms and she shared the name equally.

Gerald left home some years ago and never returned but Ella’s companion Fitz shared her basket for 18 years.

As there are also two Jack Russells in the house, Ella now has her own bedroom quarters, showing no interest in what goes on outside her window. She used up most of her nine lives as a young cat and was absolutely fearless. All she needs now is lots of TLC and a gourmet meal.”

Is Ella Swale’s oldest cat? If you can beat it, email sittingbourne

@thekmgroup.co.uk.