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Cat breaks record with world’s loudest purr
Bella's astonishing vocals often meant her family had to turn the TV up to hear over her.
Bella’s purr reached 54.6 decibels.

A fourteen-year-old cat has broken a Guinness World Record, by performing the world’s loudest purr.

Bella, a moggie from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, recorded a purr of 54.6 decibels, which is as loud as a boiling kettle.

Her owner, Nicole Spink, always knew that Bella’s purr was very loud. Her astonishing vocals often meant her family had to turn the TV up to hear over her, and a recording on Nicole’s phone suggested that she may be a record-breaking kitty.

However, it required a Guinness World Record adjudicator’s assessment to discover if Bella could be awarded the prestigious title.

Official adjudicator Dave Wilson arrived at Bella’s house, along with an acoustic engineer, to settle whether her purrings were pitch perfect. The team blocked out all external sound, set up the recording equipment, and waited patiently beside Bella’s favourite cushion for her performance.

During her record attempt Bella performed purr-fectly, recording an astonishing 54.6 db on the decibel meter.

In a low-key ceremony, she was awarded with an official certificate for the world’s loudest purr by a domestic cat (living), and a place in the feline history books.

Speaking proudly of Bella’s prominent purring, Nicole said: “We’ve always known Bella had a really loud purr – we even have to turn up the volume to hear the TV over her purring – and that’s always after mealtimes.

“So, when we saw that the record for the World’s Loudest Purr was up for grabs, we knew we had to put Bella forward, and we’re so pleased we did!

“I couldn’t be more thrilled that Bella has broken the world record. She has been our family’s companion for many years - we love her to bits and are so proud of her achievement.”

Official adjudicator Dave Wilson said: “It’s always an exciting day when there is the potential for a new world record so we waited in anticipation to see whether Bella would be able to do it. We set up the recording devices and Bella then settled down on her favourite cushion and began to purr.

“The results were immediately obvious – Bella had broken the record for world’s loudest purr!”

Image © Guinness World Records/Whiskas

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.