Noisy Northampton cat is world's loudest purrer

A cat from Northamptonshire has been officially recognised for having the loudest purr in the world.

Guinness World Records announced Smokey, 12, who is a British short-hair cat, achieved the loudest purr by a domestic cat, peaking at 67.7dB.

Her owner Ruth Adams, from Pitsford, Northampton, said she was delighted.

Guinness World Records' editor-in-chief, Craig Glenday said: "It's incredible to think that a cat's purr can be as loud as a vacuum cleaner."

Ms Adams 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 the cats charity Cats Protection."

Witnesses to the cat's world record attempt were Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris, veterinary nurse Kaye James, Diana Johnson from Cats Protection, and British Airways captain Alisdair Tait.

Mr Glenday added: "Guinness World Records is a veritable cat-alogue of fantastic felines, and Smokey is a welcome addition to the family."

Smokey still has a way to go to compete with blue whales and fin whales.

Their low-frequency pulses, the loudest sounds emitted by any living source, reach 188dB on the decibel scale.

A lawnmower reaches 90dB, a car horn 110dB and a rock concert 120dB.