Guinness World Records, the global authority on record-breaking achievement, is saddened to hear about the passing of Colonel Meow, titleholder for the Longest Fur on a Cat.

The Himalayan-Persian cross-breed, who featured in the latest Guinness World Records 2014 book, had fur that reached 22.87cm (9in).

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The two-year-old feline was named ‘Colonel Meow’ by his owners, Anne Marie Avey and Eric Rosario from Los Angeles, California, USA, because of his “epic frown and fur”.

At the time of his recognition by Guinness World Records, Anne Marie said of her incredible pet: “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.”

Colonel Meow, who was adopted as a rescue cat from the Himalayan & Persian Society, required his fur brushed 2–3 times a week, which took both Anne and Eric to complete the job.

“Literally everything in the house has hair on it, including us! I feel like I’m always vacuuming!”, Anne explained.

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News of his inclusion in the latest Guinness World Records book back in September topped off a fantastic year for Colonel Meow, who had become an internet sensation with the launch of his own website, Facebook page and YouTube channel which had racked up over 2 million views.

Through his many social media accounts, Colonel Meow referred to his millions of fans as 'minions'.

Colonel Meow’s fur measurements were taken by three independent vets, recording an average length based on 10 hairs. The evidence was then sent through to Guinness World Records to verify the new record.

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"Colonel Meow passed away yesterday evening", Meow's owners wrote on the cat's official Facebook account.

"I will post more about the details when I've had a few days to grieve. Thank you so much for your understanding, Minions. Your love and support has meant the world to us both."

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday, said: “Colonel Meow was one of the most memorable, charismatic and paw-pular record holders of recent years".

"For the thousands of "minions" who followed the Colonel online, he'll be remembered for his razor-clawed wit and sharp tongue, as well as for being the first feline to hold the longest-fur record".

"We'll all miss his catty remarks and if there is such a thing as cat heaven, I'm sure he'll already be in charge and bossing about some newly recruited minions".

Related links:
Loudest purr by a domestic cat
Smallest dog living
Smallest dog living (height)
Smallest cat ever
Tallest dog ever
Longest tongue current - dog