Why do cats purr? There can be little doubt that a purring cat is one of the most relaxing noises known to man. Like white noise, a cat’s purr is naturally soothing and can make anybody smile.

The U.K. cat, named Bella, snagged the title with a 54.59-decibel purr — a volume similar to a kettle boiling! Bailey Richards is a writer-reporter at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE ...