The fastest in the world

Cheetahs are big cats, members of the Felidae family, closely related to bobcats, lynxes, and cougars. These amazing cats are distinguished by their black spots and golden or yellow fur.

The cheetah, also known as a cheetah, is the fastest animal in the world, reaching a speed of 70 miles per hour (113 kph). This speed exceeds the speed limit on most highways! Cheetahs use their speed for very good reasons: to chase and hunt for food. Gazelles, impalas and other antelopes are part of the cheetah menu and they are also very fast animals… they are essentially fast food!

Fun facts

• Most cheetahs live in the African grasslands. Due to their golden color they can camouflage themselves among the tall grass while waiting for their prey.
• The cheetah must catch its prey immediately, as it can run at full speed for a few minutes. The gazelle, the cheetah’s favorite food, often manages to escape the predator’s clutches as it can reach and maintain a speed of 50 mph (80 kph) for longer.
• Like all cats, cheetahs have claws, but they are not retractable, this feature improves their traction at high speeds.
• One way to recognize a cheetah is through the long black lines that run from the inside of each eye to the mouth. Scientists believe that these lines help protect the cheetah’s eyes from the harsh sun and help them see very well at great distances.
• Cheetahs can’t climb trees, they can’t roar either. They do, however, purr when grooming or approaching other cheetahs.
• Cheetahs only hunt during the day as they do not have good night vision.