A woman has left social media users in shock after revealing that her pet cat is almost 100-years-old.
Emerson Ansley and her family have dubbed the feline “Benjamin Button” as he doesn’t seem to age.
The 23-year-old says Jared, previously named Chauncey, has outlived three dogs, many fish, a couple of hamsters and a bunny over the years.
READ MORE: Is this the most dog-friendly pub in the UK? Boozer offers canine food menu from just £3
- Advertisement -
She also claims that he has even left vets stunned with his good health for such an old moggy.
In a clip posted on TikTok, which has racked up 1.3m views and over 178,000 likes, she reveals the lengthy process behind feeding him – and people have been left in awe.
“We are very surprised by how long he’s lived,” the content creator told What’s The Jam.
“I think he is one-of-a-kind and he seems to be ageing backwards.
“But in the last few years, we have definitely seen him begin to slow down.
- Advertisement -
“He needs assistance getting to the door for his daily drink, but he seems overall healthy for a kitty who is 93 in cat years.”
Emerson, from Tampa, Florida, US, welcomed the long hair exotic kitten – a cross between an American shorthair and a Persian – when she was only four years old.
According to PetCareRx, an animal supplies and advice website, cats of this breed typically have a life expectancy of 15 years.
- Advertisement -
While he’s had to have his eye removed recently, people still mistake him for a kitten and on his next birthday, he’ll turn 20 – which is 97 in cat years.
In the video, Emerson takes viewers on a tour around her home as she tries to find Jared, who she claims has been “hiding” for 24 hours.
She shows custom made stairs to help him up onto the kitchen counter, before revealing her furry pal.
Emerson says: “We thought we were going to put Jared down about two years ago […] because he had a really bad eye disease.
“We weren’t sure if it spread to his brain and when we took him, the vet told us he had the best vitals they had ever seen on a cat his age.”
Before feeding him, she adds: “Old age isn’t a disease.”
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions, with many people in awe of the feline.
“I love this scraggly old man, he’s perfect,” one person said.
Someone else commented: “Spoil that baby! (I can see you are)!”
“My mom’s cat died last year at 24. We used to joke that he would outlive us all,” Jessie added.
“He is using all his nine lives,” another user said.
Erika added: “In the most loving way he looks like one of those old childhood stuffed animals,” followed by four laughing emojis.
Emerson added: “Everybody seems to be invested in his aging journey and asking for updates.
“He’s always been very chill and easy going.
“Jared loves running water and we actually thought he might be deaf because he wasn’t scared at all when he popped a bunch of balloons – but he’s fine.
“I don’t remember a time without him.”
READ MORE: VIDEO: Dog’s adorable reaction to pregnant owner’s baby kicking
