A US feline has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the cat with the longest fur on the planet - after his grey and white coat grew to an astonishing nine inches in length.
The two-year-old cat, known as Colonel Meow, is already an internet sensation with his own website, Facebook page and YouTube channel that has racked up over 2 million views.
The Himalayan-Persian cross-breed who lives in Los Angeles with his owners, Anne Marie Avey and Eric Rosario, features in the new Guinness World Records 2014 book out next month.
"We already knew that he was the best cat in the world, but to be recognised in the Guinness World Records book takes it to the next level," Anne Marie said.
However, there is a considerable downside to living with a record-breaking cat.
"Literally everything in the house has hair on it, including us! I feel like I'm always vacuuming!" Anne Marie said.
Colonel Meow, who was adopted as a rescue cat from the Himalayan & Persian Society, needs his fur brushed 2-3 times a week, and it takes both Anne and Eric to complete the job.
The couple said that they never use products on Colonel Meow's fur, applying only water and brushes if he gets dirty.
The cat's fur measurements were taken by three independent vets, recording an average length based on 10 hair. The evidence was then sent through to Guinness World Records to verify the new record.
"Colonel Meow is being groomed for stardom, and I know the furry feline will be a big hit with readers. He's an incredible creature, and he'll undoubtedly inspire people all around to the world to whip out their rulers and start measuring their own cat's fur," said Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday.
