POPPY the moggy has been officially recognised as the world's oldest cat at 24 - equivalent to 114 in human years.

And she has reached the milestone despite being partial to KFC chicken, fish and chips and even the odd kebab.

The tortoiseshell was born in February 1990, the same month Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and has seen five British Prime Ministers but is now a frail old lady and spends most of her time indoors relaxing.

Poppy, who has been recognised by Guinness World Records, is one year younger than Misao Okawa of Japan, the oldest person in the world.

She has picked up the title following the death of Pinky, a cat from Kansas who passed away at the age of 23 last year.

Poppy lives in Bournemouth with her owners, Jacqui and Andy West, and their sons, Joe, 11, and eight-year-old Toby.

She also shares the home with four other cats, two rabbits and a hamster.

Jacqui, 43, said: "People always ask what we put Poppy's longevity down to and I guess she has a good diet and lots of exercise."

She keeps herself fit by walking around and she eats a lot.

She is partial to the odd takeaway.

Jacqui, an accountant, wrote to Guinness World Records in February after Poppy turned 24, submitting her into the category of "Oldest Cat Currently Living".

They investigated their claim and have now confirmed Poppy as the world's oldest living cat.

Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, said: "We've been overwhelmed with claims for the 'oldest living cat', with owners from across the globe making applications on behalf of their cats."

Today, though, I'm pleased to confirm that we're recognising Poppy from Bournemouth in the UK as the world's oldest living cat.

”The oldest cat in history was a feline called Creme Puff who lived in Austin, Texas and who survived for an astonishing 38 years and 3 days.

Jacqui added: "Poppy is definitely the top cat and she is still quite feisty. If one of the other cats tries to eat her food she will bite them on the ear."

She's deaf and blind and meows for everything. We call her stroppy Poppy sometimes.”