Cats, big and small, are natural runners. On the one hand, running helps them hunt and catch even the most agile prey, and on the other hand, it helps them escape from stronger predators and competitors. Domestic cats have inherited speed from their wild relatives and often surprise their owners with races around the apartment. But what else does cat running hide?
The fastest domestic cat
The Egyptian Mau is the record holder among domestic cats for running. In front of its hind legs, the Mau has hanging leather folds-bags that, like harem pants, do not restrict movement and help the cat to spread its limbs widely, and therefore, push off stronger. Thanks to this feature, the Egyptian Mau can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h and outpace professional runners.
Of course, not all breeds and domestic cats can run so fast. However, some can compete with humans. The average speed at which pets run is about 14 km/h. They trot on the grass at up to 8 km/h. The average person runs at a speed of 9-11 km/h, so it's not surprising that catching a cat is not so easy. However, if cats were to compete with sprinters, they would surely lose: athletes run short distances at an average speed of 30 km/h.
Cats - sprinters
A person with their 11 km/h can run for a long time without stopping. Cats, on the other hand, are not marathon runners, but sprinters and give their all in short sprints. This is enough for them to dart into a suitable shelter, climb a tree, or catch fast prey. Even the cheetah, the fastest animal, which can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, cannot endure long runs. If the antelope is not caught in the first few seconds, the hunt must start over: there is no strength left for the pursuit.
Domestic cats behave in a similar way. After a short sprint around the apartment, they often take a break before continuing, or at least stop to catch their breath. This is vital. During this time, cats restore their breathing and body temperature. They do not have sweat glands on their skin like humans, so there is no way to cool the body directly during running. If a cat is forced to run for a long time, for example, when chasing, the race will most likely end sadly: the body simply cannot handle the overload.
The secret of cat running
Cats can instantly take off and find themselves on the other side of the apartment in a matter of seconds. In this, our pets resemble running hares: they push off the ground with their hind legs, make a big leap (which can exceed their body length by 5-6 times!), land on their front paws, and repeat the maneuver. Inertia moves the hind legs past the front ones, giving a greater amplitude when pushing off.
Running - excellent workout
Cats know and love to run, so do not deny them the pleasure. During running and jumping, cats satisfy their hunting instinct and burn off accumulated energy. So indoor races are beneficial for psychological and physical health. Play tag, tease with a string to make the cat run and catch the mouse tied to the end, and then the pet will be happy.
