On top of the world!

A 12-year-old cat is now in the Guinness World Records as the loudest purring domestic cat on the planet. Smokey’s purr was recorded at 67.7dB which is a massive 14 times louder than the average cat’s purr!

Owner Ruth Adams, from Pitsford, Northamptonshire, borrowed specialist sound equipment to record the attempt from a local college and organised some official witnesses. The lucky four to watch – or should that be listen? – to the world record attempt take place were Daventry MP, Chris Heaton-Harris; Veterinary Nurse, Kaye James; Diana Johnson from Cats Protection and British Airways Captain, Alisdair Tait.

Ruth said: “Smokey and I are very excited at being awarded the Guinness World Records™ title for the Loudest purring domestic cat. We originally started a purring competition in our home town of Northampton to promote Cats Protection. We wish to thank all those who have supported Smokey with her record attempt and especially wish to thank Northampton College for organising the trials and supplying the expertise I needed to comply with the technical aspects of a Guinness World Records Claim. We are very happy and purring loudly at the announcement that we hold a Guinness World Records title.”

Editor Craig Glenday added: “Guinness World Records is a veritable catalogue of fantastic felines and Smokey is a welcome addition to the family. It’s incredible to think that a cat’s purr can be as loud as a vacuum cleaner.”

The Smokey website is also running a children’s colouring competition, find out more here