• Louly came into Cats Protection’s care after her owner moved and couldn’t take her
• The Essex feline turns 20 this August – a remarkable 96 in human years
• She has been named the charity’s oldest cat in care anywhere in the UK
• Older cats wait three times longer to find homes than younger ones, charity warns

She is nearly 20 years old, in excellent health, and – rather impressively for a lady of her vintage – she has recently mastered the art of the high five.

Meet Louly, an Essex cat who has been crowned the oldest cat in care across the entire UK by charity Cats Protection, becoming the poster girl for this year’s Mature Moggies Day on 16 June.

The annual celebration champions cats over the age of 11, who can so often be overlooked in favour of their younger, kitten-eyed counterparts.

Louly came into care at Cats Protection Rayleigh, Castle Point & District after her owner moved and was unable to take his much-loved pet with him. But he was reassured knowing that Louly would be comfortable in foster care while the team searched for a perfect match.

When she celebrates her 20th birthday this August, Louly will have clocked up an impressive 96 in human years.

Despite her vintage status, age is just a number for Louly, who remains in excellent health and still shows off a joyous, playful side.

As a distinguished senior lady, Louly is looking for a quiet, peaceful home where she can relax at her own pace and be the only pet, ideally with access to a safe, secure garden where she can doze in the summer sun.

Her fosterer Mel Catmore said: “Louly has only grown more charming with age. She is a hugely affectionate cat who enjoys being the centre of attention. She’s an absolute delight to be around – and she has even learned to give high fives!”

Advances in veterinary care mean UK cats are living longer than ever. While the average life expectancy is 11.7 years, some pet cats can reach their late teens and early twenties.

But many people opt for cute kittens and younger cats when looking for a new cat to join the family, meaning mature moggies are often overlooked. Indeed, Cats Protection reports that older cats in the charity’s care wait three times longer to find homes than their younger counterparts.

Daniel Warren-Cummings, Senior Behaviour Engagement Manager at Cats Protection, said: “Mature moggies are just as wonderfully varied as their younger counterparts. Some older felines still love to play, whilst others enjoy the snoozy peaceful lifestyle.

“The exact cat you’ve always wanted may already be there in a mature moggy waiting for a home. A lot of mature moggies looking for homes come with a history and known personality so you might end up knowing more about what they are like, prior to taking them on.”

Anyone interested in adopting Louly should visit cats.org.uk/rayleigh#adopt-60886 for more information or call 01268 950 424.

Of all cats acquired in the last 12 months, only 16% were adopted, Cats Protection reported in its CATS (Cats And Their Stats) Report 2025. It was those arresting figures that inspired the charity’s summer campaign to inspire more people to adopt rather than shop.

To meet more cats looking for homes across the charity, visit cats.org.uk/meetthecats.