22 February,2011 07:22 AM IST | | Agencies
Pet cat Smokey is believed to have the loudest purr in the world producing powerful rumbles as loud as a lawnmower.
Most cats purr at around 25 decibels but Smokey's unusual miaowing averages an amazing 80 decibels when measured from a metre and a half away.
When measured close up her feline sounds reach an incredible 92 decibels, equivalent to the noise of a lawnmower, hair dryer or a Boeing 737 coming into 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.
"She even manages to purr while she eats. The only time she is quiet is when she is asleep."
Ruth added, "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."
The family has two dogs and two other cats but say 12-year-old Smokey is by far the loudest cat they have ever heard.
"It's either adorable or annoying, depending on what mood you're in and it's very loud," said Ruth. "You don't even have to stroke her to start a purring session, often she'll do it for no reason."
The family has now submitted an application to Guinness World Records.
A spokesman for Guinness World Records said, "The Guinness World Record for the loudest scream by a human is 129dB. If Smokey the cat is able to purr at over 80dB it would be an astonishing feat."
45.90 cm
The record of the tallest cat, held by Scarlett's Magic
38 years
Record of oldest living cat, held by Creme Puff from Austin, Texas
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