Not only are they the fastest feline, they are the fastest land animal in the world, that’s impressive!
Learn more about the fierce, fast and sly Cheetah with these cool facts.
Cheetah’s are the fastest land animal in the world. Their top recorded speed is 120km per hour! Cheetah’s can accelerate from zero to 95km in under 3 seconds, now that’s a good run up at their prey!
“Cheetah” is an easy word to say, but how easy is their scientific name. Now try and say “Acinonyx Jubatus”. It comes from the Hindi word “Chita” and means “spotted one”. That’s quite a good description don’t you think?
You may think that all animals with spots have the same pattern, but that’s not the case. Often mistaken for Leopards, Cheetah’s spots are solid black ovals. Whilst a Leopard has smaller irregular shaped spots that group together to form a rosette (rose like shape). Here are some pictures to help identify them.
A Cheetah has solid black oval shaped spots and black tear lines that run from their eyes to their mouths
A Leopard has smaller irregular spots that group together to form a rosette (rose like shape)
4. Cheetah’s are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. While Lions and Leopards hunt during the night, Cheetah’s hunt for food during the day. With their light body weight and blunt claws, Cheetah’s aren’t designed to protect themselves or their prey. If a larger, more aggressive animal approaches, a Cheetah will give up its catch to avoid a fight.
5. Cheetah’s have long black tear lines that run from their eyes to their mouth that help protect their eyes from the harsh sun while they hunt. It can also help them see long distances. They use their brilliant eyesight to spot prey almost 5km away.
6. Cheetah’s don’t roar like a lion, rather they make a variety of other sounds. A mother and her cub can communicate making chirping sounds. Cheetah’s purr like a domestic cat when they are happy and moan, growl and hiss when they feel threatened.
7. Cheetah’s are native to Africa and central Iran. Sadly, they are considered a threatened species due to loss of habitat and prey.
8. A mother Cheetah usually gives birth to 4-6 cubs, but up to 9 cubs can be born. A mother will stay with her cubs for around 18 months before she leaves them. Cubs will stay together for another 6 months. After this time, the female cubs will leave on their own and the males will stay together for life.
