Expressive You: [FunOnTheNet] A Loud Meow

Is this the loudest cat in the world? Meet Smokey whose purr is as noisy as a Boeing 737

By Andrew Levy
Last updated at 12:19 AM on 22nd February 2011

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.

Deafening: Smokey the cat's purrs average an astonishing 80 decibels - 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.'

Record breaker: Owner Ruth Adams has submitted an application for Smokey's piercing purrs to the Guinness World Records

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.

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