* Body structure: Dogs have longer legs and a more streamlined body shape, which allows for greater stride length and speed.
* Muscle structure and power: Dogs have more powerful leg muscles, particularly in their hindquarters, which propel them forward with greater force.
* Evolution: Dogs have been selectively bred over centuries for speed and agility, while cats have evolved for more agile movements like leaping and climbing.
While cats are incredibly agile and can reach impressive speeds for short bursts, they lack the stamina and muscle power to compete with dogs in a long-distance race.
Here's a comparison of the top speeds of some common breeds:
* Cheetah: 70 mph (Fastest land animal)
* Greyhound: 45 mph
* Saluki: 43 mph
* Domestic cat: 30 mph (Maximum burst speed)
While a domestic cat may reach 30 mph for a short burst, a Greyhound or Saluki can maintain speeds of 40 mph for longer distances.