How Fast Cats Can Run?

What’s in a cat

For us to better understand how fast cats can run, let’s take a closer look at their anatomy, from which we can have a clearer understanding on how they are able to run so fast.

First, they have the ability to correct their position at any given `moment so that their feet touch the ground first. This ability is called "righting", which like breathing is very instinctual to cats. Furthermore, being extremely flexible allows them to achieve this feat!

Second, cats walk and run on their toes. This characteristic is referred to as digitigrades. Due to this ability, they create lesser friction with the ground helping them conserve their upward energy.

Imagine a catapult or a spring, their hind legs act similarly, allowing them to project themselves at speed six times their own body weight, and stride at least three times their body length. 

Let’s look at the figures

Did you know that the fastest land animal hails from the Felidae family, none other than the Cheetah?  They can go for as fast as 75 mph! A cheetah belongs to the cat family, so we can say that that’s how fast a cat can go! But how about domestic cats? Are they capable of doing so? Well, our feline furballs are able to run for as fast as 50 km/hr, estimated; or 30 mph!

It is important to note however that how fast cats can run depending on their breed. These are 9 of the fastest domestic cat breeds you may find interesting: Egyptian Mau, Abyssinian, Somali, Bengal, Savannah, Manx, Siamese, Ocicat, and Oriental.

Putting things into perspective

A cheetah can run for as fast as 75 mph, a house cat can clock in a zooming 30 mph. If you can't imagine how fast that is, look at this: in a parking lot, you are allowed to drive a total of 15 mph.

Comparing numbers, you can easily say that cats can effortlessly outrun a car running in a parking lot. On the other hand, a car driven on a country road can go for as fast as 30 mph. Again, looking at the values, it would mean that cats can catch up with these cars, no problem. 

Round one: Cats against humanity!

To set things straight, let's compare our cats to the fastest human – Usain Bolt. His record hits almost a 28 mph mark. It's a very small margin compared to the 30 mph that of cats. A cat may outrun him, but certainly, he'll come close.

Round two: Cats versus dogs!

Can you guess the second fastest animal next to a cheetah? The answer to this question will immediately settle the matter. The second fastest land animal is the greyhound! A family to dogs, it can run for as fast as 43 mph; quite a gap from a cheetah’s 75 mph.

Certainly, a greyhound will be able to outrun house cats, but it is no match for a cheetah. But all housecats can outrun domestic dogs, especially the stout ones because they can go for as fast as 15 mph. Only half that of domestic cats.

But why do they run all of a sudden?

Instinct!

Don’t forget that your cat has predatory roots. They may be domesticated, but their ancestors' blood flows in their veins. They are natural hunters, so they are running around because they say a prey and they want to catch it.  Cat toys like lasers will also stimulate this instinct. 

Attack of the fleas

If your cat suddenly ran for no apparent reason, perhaps you could check for fleas! They’re not apparent but they’re there. Fleas could make your cat go berserk. If this is the case, then you could use some flea baths for cats to address the problem.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome

When it is unusual for your cat to run around the house, you should also watch out for the following behaviors: abnormal biting of the tail, and obsessive licking and scratching. This could indicate that your cat has Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome