A Cheetah is a species of cat that can run at speeds up to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h). They have been known to reach top speeds of 53 mph (85 km/h). Cheetahs are the fastest land animals and can outrun both lions and leopards. This makes them one of the few cats capable of catching prey faster than any other animal. The cheetah's speed allows them to catch smaller games than their larger cousins, the lion, and leopard. However, its speed has not allowed them to keep pace with the evolution of other predators like dogs, wolves, hyenas, mongooses, jackals, foxes, and even humans. This unique ability to run fast has allowed the cheetah to survive where no other predator could. They are only able to live in places where there is little competition from other carnivores. As a result, cheetahs are now at risk of losing their habitat and hunting.
1. Cheetahs are the fastest living animals on earth. They can run at speeds over 70 mph. They have been known to reach speeds of 55mph in just 20 seconds. Their top speed is typically around 35mph but some cheetahs have been clocked at speeds of 50mph. This makes them faster than the fastest human sprinter.
2. Cheetahs are native to Africa and their name comes from the Khoikhoi word for “crocodile”. They were originally distinguished from other African cats due to similarities between the two species. Today, however, there is much debate about whether or not they should be considered true cats.
3. Unlike many land animals, cheetahs do not spend time resting. Instead, they spend 80% of their time hunting. They hunt using their amazing vision and hearing and will trap the deer before striking it on its back.
4. Cheetahs are classified into four different categories based on size, age, and gender. Male cubs measure around 25 inches long while adult males average around 48 inches. Female cubs are smaller than male cubs and adults are larger than both. Adult female cheetahs weigh around 120 pounds while adult males weigh around 150 pounds.
5. Like most cats, females give birth to litters of kittens twice a year. However, male cheetahs only produce one litter per year. Kittens usually stay in their mother's den until they are weaned. After this, they begin to follow her around looking for food.
6. Cheetahs are solitary creatures and rarely interact with each other. When they do come across others, they tend to avoid them. Males and females may mate once every three years. After mating, the female goes off alone to give birth. She spends around six months pregnant and then gives birth to two to three young after being joined by her partner.
