Cheetahs are known for their spot-covered skin, which makes it easier for them to recognize each other, while also helping them blend in with their surroundings. For their habitat, cheetahs prefer an open space with tall grass to hide in and help them sneak up on their prey. Cheetahs hunt both medium and small animals, like rabbits, wildebeest calves, gazelles, and impalas. Aside from grassy plains, cheetahs live in many different habitats across southern and eastern Africa.

Some believe cheetahs are not Big Cats because they cannot roar. The reason that the other big cats – such as tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards – can roar is that they have a bone that floats in the back of their throat. Cheetahs do not have that bone. Instead of roaring, they make a chirping sound and can also purr.

Another set of differences that separates them from the Big Cat family is their adapted bodily structure. Like all Big Cats, cheetahs adapted traits to help them be stronger and tougher. However, the cheetah evolved to be incredibly fast as well. Cheetahs are known to be the fastest mammal on land, with the ability to run up to 60 or 70 miles per hour. They can only run this fast for short distances though, and have to catch their breath after hunting their prey before they are able to eat.

The unique characteristics of cheetahs, like their speed and agility, help make them stand out and continue to spur the debate about whether or not they are a part of the Big Cat family.

[Sources: National Geographic Kids ; animalfactguide.com ]

This article is so informative, I loved reading it! Very well done. :) – Megan R. , UW Madison (2022-06-23 13:44)

I like how u explained how cheetahs are different from the other big cats and I also like how u explained why people think that cheetahs are not part of the big cat family. – Julian Medina Ruiz , West High School (2022-06-23 15:23)