What Makes Cheetahs Fast?

Cheetahs are built for speed.

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are the fastest land animals on earth, reaching speeds between 60 and 70 miles per hour. They evolved to hunt animals like the gazelle that are too fast for other predators to catch.

Build

Cheetahs have thin, long-legged bodies with flexible spines and collarbones that give the cat a longer stride. Their long tails act as counterweights to provide balance, which increases maneuverability and agility at high speeds.

Functional characteristics

A small, sleek head helps to make the body aerodynamic. A deep chest holds large lungs and heart, which give the cheetah the oxygen it needs to reach top speeds. Cheetah claws cannot retract into the paws, so they dig into the ground for traction.

Zero to Seventy in Seconds

Cheetahs only run at a sprint, which naturally makes them fast animals. Because they reach top speed in seconds and move so quickly, these big cats are exhausted after about a minute of running.

References

• Cheetah Spot: The Speed Question
• Cheetah Conservation Fund: General Information about the Cheetah
• National Geographic: Cheetah

Resources

• Cheetah Conservation Fund
• YouTube: Cheetahs Speed
• PBS Online: Cheetah Speedway