Caley the cat from Inverness celebrates her 23rd birthday
A cat's life expectancy ranges anywhere from 12-14 years, however, Caley the cat is certainly an exception.
Caley, owned by Sandra Nairne, of Temple Crescent, Inverness, celebrated her 23rd birthday a few days ago.
Sandra got Caley from a small croft near Elgin in late summer 2000 when Caley was just eight weeks old, and was the biggest cat staying at the croft.
Sandra was originally told that Caley was a male cat, but after a visit to the vet, she was told otherwise.
Sandra said: "The vet took one look at her and instantly knew she was a female before even checking her.
"I don't even remember if I had another name for Caley before I knew she was a female!"
Caley spent a lot time at her first home at Ardbreck Place where she would hunt for wildlife and take home "gifts" for Sandra.
Sandra and Caley stayed at the first home for a further 10 years before moving to Temple Crescent, where Caley's hunting would end.
Caley is now completely deaf and Sandra does not allow Caley to go outdoors unsupervised as she would not be able to hear dangers such as traffic.
"She is well pampered, and enjoys getting brushed, but does not enjoy having her nails clipped," Sandra said.
"Her favourite food is cat soup which she eats most days."
Caley's favourite place to sit is at the back of the living room couch, where she observes the outdoors from the window where she eventually slumbers.
She is still in good health at the age of 23 – which is the equivalent of 108 in human years – and is enjoying cat retirement.
