Cat purrs as loud as Boeing 737

Pet cat Smokey is believed to have the loudest purr in the world - with piercing purrs as loud as a lawnmower. Most cats purr at around 25 decibels but Smokey's powerful purrs average an amazing 80 decibels.

When measured close-up her purrs reach an incredible 92 decibels, equivalent to the noise of 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. 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."

With video of Smokey purring.