The elderly cat survived a fox attack four years ago

Pussywillow lives in Ratlinghope and is still "sharp in her mind and her eyes", according to owner Lin Brown.

The black cat, who now enjoys curling up by the stove, lived off animals she caught herself until she was 22, Ms Brown said.

Healthy cats can normally live to about 18, with previous world record holders only reaching their early 20s.

Pussywillow was near-feral when she was first taken in by the family.

Cats are living longer, but I'd love to know what they fed it on

Marion Micklewright, Shropshire Cat Rescue

"When Willow came my son was four. He is now 30," Ms Brown said.

"I know from my local vet that they've always been absolutely astonished and said they have never known a cat that old."

The family only started feeding the elderly feline after she survived an attack by a fox four years ago.

"Because of her wildness when she came she was pretty much an outdoor cat and had an organic diet and I hardly fed her anything," Ms Brown said.

Marion Micklewright, from Shropshire Cat Rescue, said she had not heard of any other cats living for 26 years.

"Cats are living longer, but I'd love to know what they fed it on. It's a bit of a rarity."