A cat in Dorset has recently marked her 21st birthday, which is equivalent to 100 years in human terms.
Marlee, a patient at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen for the past decade, is one of the oldest pets in their care. The team at the practice believes that Marlee’s long life can be attributed to regular health checks, frequent cuddles, and occasional treats of chicken and tuna.
Veterinary nurse Abbi Appleton expressed her joy, saying, “It was an honor to help Marlee celebrate her 21st birthday. She is such a sweet cat, and everyone enjoys seeing her when she comes in for treatments or health check-ups.”
Abbi, who plays a key role in Marlee’s care, noted that advances in veterinary medicine have contributed to longer lives for many pets. However, the typical life expectancy for domestic cats is around 14 years.
“Marlee has defied the odds to reach 21,” Abbi said. “She does have age-related health issues, such as arthritis and kidney disease, which are common in older cats. But thanks to her owner’s commitment to regular check-ups, we were able to detect these conditions early.”
Marlee receives monthly injections to manage her osteoarthritis and follows a special diet to manage her renal disease.
Marlee’s owner, Justine Oxenham, adopted her as a kitten in the Caribbean and brought her to Dorset when she returned to the UK. Justine shared, “Marlee is such a sweet cat, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had her by my side for 21 years. Regular check-ups at Hillside Vets have played a huge role in her well-being as she ages.”
The veterinary practice has a dedicated cat-only waiting area and uses towels sprayed with calming pheromones to help reduce stress for its feline patients. Several team members, including Abbi, hold additional qualifications in feline health and behavior, helping the practice earn silver cat-friendly accreditation from the International Society of Feline Medicine, a division of the charity International Cat Care.
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