For cat lovers, there is nothing more soothing than the sound of their pet purring with contentment.
But when Smokey kicks off, it’s time to reach for the ear plugs.
The sound she produces can reach an incredible 92 decibels – the same as you’d experience watching a Boeing 737 coming in to land, and more than THREE times louder than most cats. Even from five feet away the level is 80 decibels, the same as a car passing 25ft away. Most cats produce around 25 decibels.
Owners Ruth and Mark Adams say the 12-year-old British Shorthair can drown out TV and radio shows and phone conversations with her ‘cooing purr’ which they describe as ‘sounding as if she has a dove stuck in her throat’.
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. 'It’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.’
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.'
Smokey has become an honorary volunteer for Cat Protection's Northampton branch and is helping to raise awareness of the important cat welfare work they do.
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