Smokey – the loudest cat in the world

For cat lovers, there is nothing more soothing than the sound of their pet purring with contentment. However, when Smokey the cat kicks off, it’s time to reach for the ear plugs. Pet cat Smokey is believed to have the Loudest Purr in the world – with piercing purrs as loud as a lawnmower.

Most cats purr at around 25 decibels but Smokey’s powerful purrs average an amazing 80 dB. However, when measured close-up her purrs reach 92 decibels, equivalent to the noise of a hair dryer or, it is claimed, a Boeing 737 coming in to land.

Owners Ruth and Mark Adams say Smokey’s deafening purrs make it impossible for them to hear the television or radio when she is in the room and they struggle to have telephone conversations. “She has always been very vocal and purrs at some level nearly all the time,” said Ruth, from Pitsford, Northampton.

Mrs Adams, from Pitsford, Northampton, said: ‘She even manages to purr while she eats. The only time she is quiet is when she is asleep. When I’m on the phone friends often ask what the loud noise is and they can’t believe it is coming from a cat.”

She also added: “t’s either adorable or annoying, depending on what mood you’re in. You don’t even have to stroke her to start a purring session. Often she’ll do it for no reason.”

A spokesman for Guinness World Records said it had a category in place for noisiest cat but no entries yet. A spokesman said: “If Smokey can purr at over 80dB it would be an astonishing feat.”

Diana Johnson, of Northampton Cats Protection, who has met Smokey, said: “I have never heard anything like her purr in my life. It can drown out your conversation. It is very unusual and I’ve never found a cat with a purr that is anywhere near as loud.”