Is 23-year-old Rusty the oldest cat in Derbyshire?

A Chesterfield family have thrown a party for a special cat they think might be the oldest in Derbyshire.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Mar 2017, 12:25 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 11:03 BST
Rusty the cat's 23rd birthdayRusty the cat's 23rd birthday
Rusty the cat's 23rd birthday

23-year-old Rusty is owned by George and Cathy Mappoura who run Boythorpe Fryer - a former Derbyshire Times chip shop of the year.

Cathy said they picked her up at six weeks old from a family in Derby when their girls were very young.

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“George said to the girls whichever kitten comes to my hand that will be the one we have.

She has been with the Mappoura family since she was six weeks old.She has been with the Mappoura family since she was six weeks old.
She has been with the Mappoura family since she was six weeks old.

“I am sure she thinks she is human with all the things she does.”

Living in a chip shop her entire life, Rusty likes her fish - but Cathy says she also has a taste for lots of other human food.

“Spaghetti Bolognese is her favourite but she always has the best cuts of meat as well - we even gave her sirloin steak once,” she said.

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“She is beginning to show her age now but she has been my best friend over the years,” said George.

“Everybody loves her and I will be very sorry when she goes.”

Happy birthday Rusty - and many happy returns!

Related topics:DerbyshireChesterfieldDerbyshire TimesDerby