This Is The Fastest Domestic Cat Breed In The World

While your cat might seem like the fastest in the world when zipping around at night, one type of feline reigns supreme in the speed department. The Egyptian mau is the fastest domestic cat breed, with the ability to run up to 30 miles per hour. Not only are they good runners, but they are also remarkable jumpers, capable of leaping up to 6 feet in the air. A rare variety, they are also one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds.

Ancient Egyptian art showcases cats with similar features to the Egyptian mau, and this modern breed could have descended from those ancient felines. Egyptian maus may share this ancestor with a type of African wild cat, which could help explain their impressive speed. In the United States, the Cat Fanciers Association recognized the Egyptian mau as an official breed in 1968, although its population suffered from genetic disorders due to the rarity of the species in the country at that time. It's still not commonly seen in the U.S.

The Egyptian mau has unique features and markings. Muscular cats with a lean, athletic build, they typically weigh anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds. Their back legs are a little longer than their front, allowing them to reach such extraordinary speeds. One of the most distinguishable features of this breed is their spotted coat. These cats come in six different colors: The most common colors are silver, smoke, and bronze, while the others (black, blue, and caramel) are pretty rare.

Along with their spotted coats, this breed has a dorsal stripe that runs down the length of their body to their tail, as well as an "M" style marking on their face. Alternatively, this marking may look like a scarab, known in Egypt as a holy beetle. Piercing green eyes are also a notable characteristic of this breed.

Egyptian maus are very active cats. Unlike other cat breeds that might be content to curl up and sleep all day, these felines need a lot of exercise to keep them happy. They enjoy climbing, running, and jumping, and love to play with their humans. Cat exercise wheels are one of the best forms of exercise for an active breed like the Egyptian mau, and you can even put these felines in a harness and leash train them to join you on your daily walks.When it comes to their families, Egyptian maus often connect deeply with a specific person, but that doesn't mean they don't love the rest of their pack as well. While they tend to be a little shy around strangers, this isn't a quiet breed, making a variety of different sounds.

Egyptian maus typically make for good family pets as they get along well with most children, in addition to other animals. While these cats usually do fine solo for short bursts, they love spending time with their families, and can occasionally deal with separation anxiety if constantly left alone for longer periods of time. If you are someone who has the time to give this breed the active lifestyle they need, these little speedsters make for very loyal and loving companions.