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    The top 7 fastest cats in the world

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    Felines are famous for many reasons, but one of their greatest claims to fame is their speed and agility. Cats come in all shapes and sizes, but virtually all species are dangerous predators with exceptional physical skills and keen senses that help them hunt. While domestic cats tend to be smaller than their wild brethren, they can be just as adept at stalking, chasing, and catching prey.

    cheetah

    Fastest Cats - Cheetah
    Cheetahs are the world’s fastest land animals, built for super speed rather than endurance.

    As the fastest land mammal ever recorded, it should come as no surprise that the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the first to be mentioned when we talk about the fastest cats in the world. Adults can move up to 60 mph at a reliable speed and have the potential for short-distance sprints up to 80 mph. Their incredible speed is perfect for chasing prey on grassland and other flat terrain, but these big cats can also hunt successfully in forested and mountainous environments.

    Their lanky structure, light bones and high muscle tone are all essential components that contribute to their amazing potential for speed. These animals are on the small side compared to other big cats with a total body weight of between 90 and 140 pounds. Cheetahs also differ from most other cats in that they are mainly active during the day rather than at night.

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    Jaguar

    Fastest Cats - Jaguar
    Jaguars are fearsome predators, preying on everything from frogs, fish and reptiles to cattle, cows and deer.

    The jaguar (Panthera onca) is another of the large cat breeds that can distance themselves from their prey with blinding speed. These elusive natives of south and Central America are the largest felines on the continent and can move up to 80 km/h. This helps them catch up with some of their more agile prey targets, including: deer, capybara, and tapir.

    Not only does the jaguar’s powerful body make them one of the fastest wild cats in the world, it also places them at the top of the food chain in the rainforests, swamps and floodplains they call home. They spend much of their time relaxing in the branches of trees to avoid exposure to pests or poisonous creatures while watching their next meal. Their striking and gracefully patterned fur may be an eye-catcher to human observers, but it is equally effective natural camouflage that helps them hide from prey and disorient them while hunting.

    cougar

    Fastest Cats - Cougar
    The American Cougar runs across the meadow and enjoys the snow. They can jump up to 6.1 m (20 ft) tall – almost the height of the tip of an adult giraffe or a two-story building!

    Cougars (cat’s concolor) may not be as fast as the cheetah, but these versatile felines can run at speeds of 30 mph and reach sprint speeds of up to 80 mph. Their speed potential plays a critical role in their ability to chase larger, athletic prey targets, including deer and… moose. They are also equipped with thick forearms and a powerful jaw that serves them well.

    Cougars are among the smaller big cat breeds with a maximum adult weight of about 200 pounds, but they are still the largest felines in the world. North America. They are most commonly found in mountainous and forested regions of the United States and Canada. While their habitat is still under threat from human encroachment, their overall population numbers are stable and they are one of the few feral cats species that are not threatened or endangered.

    Serval

    Fastest Cats - Serval
    The serval has the longest legs of any cat relative to its body size, due in large part to the highly elongated metatarsal bones in the feet.

    The serval (Leptailurus serval) is one of the fastest feral cats in the wild. These agile creatures weigh between 10 and 40 pounds but can handle speeds of 40 mph and even push the limit to 80 mph for short bursts. Their lithe and athletic frame also gives them incredible potential to jump, dodge and maneuver as they move.

    Servals are native to the sub-Saharan region of Africa and their native habitat covers much of the continent. They prefer wetland habitats due to the available supply of water and potential prey, but can also settle in grasslands and other fringe habitats. They target a variety of smaller animals as part of their diet, including several rodents, birds, and frogs.

    Marga

    Fastest Cats - Margay
    Of all the cats, the Margay is best suited to real tree life. It is the only cat that has the ability to turn its hind legs 180°, allowing it to run like squirrels with its head along trees.

    the margay (Leopardus wiedi) is one of the fastest feral cats native to America. They are small and agile creatures with many physical similarities to the larger ocelot cats. These small, elusive and fluffy feral cats usually have a light colored coat characterized by a combination of dark ringed spots and broken bars.

    These little cats only weigh about 5 to 10 pounds but are known to be some of the most adept climbers in the entire animal kingdom. They can run along branches and walk straight through logs without breaking a sweat. They can also run at speeds of up to 50 mph and can shoot like lightning through the undergrowth of their native tropical and subtropical forests.

    Rusty spotted cat

    Fastes t Cats - Rust Spot Cat
    The latest research shows that it’s the Rusty-spotted Cat’s extraordinary agility that really gives it a tremendous advantage. They can run faster, brake harder and spin faster than any other predator on land.

    The rust spot cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) is not only one of the fastest small cat species, but also one of the smallest wild cats generally with an adult weight of 1 to 3 pounds. Despite their small stature, these remarkable animals are believed to reach a top speed of over 80 km/h. However, due to their elusive nature and small native range, there are still many unknowns about their physical abilities.

    While their fur and markings are a little more distinct than many of their feline relatives, they do have distinctive lines marking their heads and faces. These little cats are only found in certain areas of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. They tend to live on the fringes of human civilization, making them a threat to: chickens and other small domestic animals.

    Egyptian Mau

    Two cute Egyptian Mau cats sitting on a shelf.
    Two cute Egyptian Mau cats sitting on a shelf. The Egyptian Mau is the fastest and only naturally occurring spotted domestic cat breed.

    While the common old house cat (Cat) can’t keep up with some of the big cats, the Egyptian Mau is one of the few breeds in the race for the fastest little cat. Not only are these remarkable cats good companions, but they are natural athletes that can run at speeds of up to 50 mph. As pets, they are known for being vocal, curious and sociable with their human relatives.

    The Egyptian Mau has short hair, which can appear as a striking blue, silver, or gray color, highlighted by dark spots or lines. The breed is relatively rare and hard to find outside of Egypt. It is considered to be one of the oldest domesticated breeds in existence and is also known as the fastest in the world.

    Summary ranking

    Since almost all cats are quick on their feet, there is plenty to choose from when you consider the fastest cats in the world. While top speed is clearly an important factor, it’s also important to remember that jumping, hitting and chasing speeds can all be just as important when it comes to catching prey and avoiding threats. Big cat breeds may not have much to worry about avoiding predators, but many of the fastest small cat breeds rely on their speed to stay as safe as they need to find food.

    Fastest cats in the world list

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