How Fast Can a Cat Run?

Posted by Jennifer Copley Aug 18, 2009

In contrast to dogs, which tend to run slower but have more endurance, cats are built for brief, intense sprints.

The fastest domestic cats can reach speeds of 30 miles (48 km) per hour. Lions have been clocked at 48-59 miles (77-95 km) per hour, but cannot go far at this speed before tiring.

Cheetahs, one of the fastest mammals on land, can run up to an estimated 65 miles (105 km) per hour. Impressively, cheetahs can accelerate from a standstill to 48 miles (77 km) per hour in 2 seconds.

For more cat facts, see:

• Cats Don't Always Land on Their Feet
• Why Cats Have Whiskers
• Why Do Cats Make Chattering Sounds When They See Birds Through a Window?
• Why Do Cats' Eyes Glow in the Dark?
• Tortoiseshell Cats Are Nearly Always Female
• Are White Cats with Blue Eyes Deaf?
• Why Do Cats Make Sudden Mad Dashes Around the House?
• Are Cats and Dogs Colour-Blind?
• Do Cats Dream?