18 Fun Facts About Cheetahs for Kids

Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land, but there’s a lot more to them than just speed! These sleek, spotted cats are full of surprises. Whether you’re a young animal expert or just love big cats, these cheetah fun facts are sure to impress.

How high can a cheetah jump?

Cheetahs are not only fast, they’re also super springy! A cheetah can jump as high as 10 feet (about 3 meters) in a single leap — that’s taller than most grown-ups. They use their strong legs to leap over bushes, chase prey, or just show off their amazing agility.

How fast can a cheetah run?

Get ready for this... cheetahs can run up to 70 miles per hour (112 km/h)! That’s faster than a race car on a city street. Even crazier? They can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds, which is quicker than most sports cars.

But they can only run that fast for 20–30 seconds before they need to rest. Sprinting takes a lot of energy!

How many hearts do cheetahs have?

Cheetahs have one big, strong heart — just like you! But it’s powerful enough to help them sprint faster than any other animal. Their heart, lungs, and long legs all work together to push their body to incredible speeds.

Cheetahs vs Leopards: What’s the difference?

Cheetahs and leopards both have spots, but they’re very different animals. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Cheetah	Leopard
Long, slim body	Stocky, muscular build
Solid round spots	Rosette-shaped spots
Black “tear lines” under eyes	No tear lines
Non-climbing cats	Great climbers
Built for speed	Built for strength
Lives in open grasslands	Lives in forests and rocky areas

So next time you see a big spotted cat, you’ll know which is which!

Fun Facts About Cheetahs

1. Cheetahs don’t roar — they chirp, purr, hiss, and even meow.

2. They have black “tear marks” under their eyes to help block the sun, like built-in sunglasses.

3. Their claws don’t fully retract, giving them better grip when they run.

4. They use their long tail for balance when making sharp turns.

5. Cheetahs hunt during the day, unlike most big cats.

6. They can spot prey from over 3 miles away thanks to amazing eyesight.

7. Each cheetah has a unique spot pattern, just like fingerprints.

8. They prefer open habitats like grasslands and savannas.

9. Cheetahs are not great fighters — they avoid conflict with lions and hyenas.

10. They can purr when happy, just like a house cat.

11. Baby cheetahs are super fluffy — their long back hair is called a mantle and helps them hide.

12. Cheetahs are the only big cats that can’t roar.

13. They need to eat quickly, or other animals might steal their food.

14. A cheetah chase lasts only 20–30 seconds, but it’s lightning fast.

15. Cheetahs have smaller heads and short muzzles compared to other big cats.

16. They can turn mid-air while running at top speed.

17. Cheetahs were once trained by humans for hunting over 4,000 years ago.

18. They’re one of the most endangered big cats, with fewer than 7,000 left in the wild.

    
    

Cheetahs are fast, graceful, and full of fascinating features — from their tear stripes to their incredible speed. Whether they’re chasing prey or caring for their cubs, cheetahs are truly one-of-a-kind.