Smokey the Cat May Set Purring Record

Folks who are passionate about cats will attest to the healing powers of a purring kitty. There is probably nothing quite as relaxing and soothing to humans as hearing the deep resonating sound and feeling the gentle vibrations emanating from a contented feline. Just the simple pleasure of holding a purring cat on one's lap can lower blood pressure, elevate mood and evoke the feeling that all is right with the world. Cats purr when they are happy and content, and to self-sooth. Some scientists believe that purring may also be a social function. Purrs are produced by cats moving the muscles in their diaphragm and throat, but no one has yet discovered precisely what part of the anatomy is responsible for this delightful sound, so it remains a mystery. According to Heart News, a Northamptonshire, England website, there is one 12-year-old average size British kitty named Smokey who was rescued from a shelter and is rapidly becoming notorious for a purr so loud it has been recorded at a whopping 73 decibels.That's 16 times as loud as the average house cat. To put this into purrspective, the average conversation measures approximately 60-70 decibels. Adding scientific input, her purr was measured by the British Community College. Heck, that is amazingly close to the Federal Standards set by OSHA for diesel engines in the United States, which is between 86-90 decibels. No wonder Ruth Adams from Pittsford, who is owned by Smokey, is attempting to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the world's loudest purring kitty. Adams said, "Guinness has very strict criteria and the college has been very helpful in supplying the specialist recording equipment needed to measure Smokey's purr and for arranging the official witnesses." Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris, Diana Johnson from Cats Protection, British Airways Captain Alistar Tait and veterinary nurse Kaye James were the witnesses for the Guinness Record setting attempt. The curriculum manager in music at Northampton College, Ray Meadham said, "You don't get asked to help out with a world record attempt every day so of course we jumped at the chance. We had a few test sessions at the college's studios before deciding to make the attempt in Smokey's home environment where she felt more at ease and would perform at her best. The recording equipment we used to record Smokey's purr included a Rode microphone, Logic music software and a category 1 sound meter, which measures decibels - - it's the same equipment music professionals use. Luckily, Smokey was on top form and rose to the challenge.'' Adams described Smokey's rather unusual purring behavior on a feline related website, saying "Sometimes she purrs so loudly it makes her cough and sputter. Smokey even manages to purr while she eats." I'll bet my bottom dollar Mrs. Adams is sitting on pins and needles waiting for results from Guinness Book of World Record judges, don't you agree? Tell us how you feel in a comment. Image Source: Flickr user harryharris