Corduroy the Oregon house cat is named world's oldest at 26

Corduroy, a long-haired tabby, has belonged to Ashley Reed Okura of Sisters, Oregon since he was just short of 7-years-old.

'The secret has been allowing him to be a cat -- hunting and getting plenty of love!' Okura said in a release put out by Guinness World Records, who certified the record Thursday.

Corduroy was briefly the world record holder in 2014 before she was dethroned by Tiffany Two, who lived to be 27 years, 2 months and 20 days, CNN reports.

One of Corduroy's brothers reportedly lived to the age of 19.  

After Tiffany Two's death, Corduroy reclaimed his title.

'It's truly amazing to have picked Corduroy out from a litter when I was almost 7 years old and still have him in my life today,' Okura said. 

'Growing up on 160 acres in Oregon, I allowed Corduroy to roam the ranch freely, so he always gets lots of exercise.' 

Aside from chasing mice, the cat also likes to eat cheddar cheese, according to Guinness officials.

Kristen Ott, a spokeswoman for Guinness World Records, acknowledged that an older cat than Corduroy might be out there. 

To hold the record, an owner must submit evidence such as video recordings of a pet feline throughout the decades, as well as witness statements.

The oldest cat ever was held by a feline named Creme Puff from Austin, Texas.

Creme Puff lived for more than 38 years and died on August 6, 2005.

Most domestic cats live to be around 15 years old. 

This world record is based on the age of a fully-grown, adult, domestic cat with the age of the living animal being measured in years and days.

(dailymail.co.uk)