Meet the cat with the world’s loudest purr

A 12-year-old cat in England holds the Guinness World Record for the “Loudest Purring Cat.” Smokey, a silver tabby with striking markings, was adopted by Ruth Adams about three years ago, when Adams was looking for an older cat who would be content with staying mostly indoors. Smokey greeted Adams as soon as she stepped into her cage at the shelter, walking toward her with her tail held high, rubbing against her legs, and purring. Very loudly.

Smokey, and her shy black companion Sooty, quickly...