Cheetahs are about as tall as a big dog, but with a longer body. They are about 30 inches tall and 4 to 5 feet long. They have short, tan fur covered in solid black spots. They have a small head with high-set eyes. Cheetahs have black "tear lines" running from their eyes to their mouth. They have long, slender legs that help them run very fast. Unlike other big cats, their claws don't retract (pull back into their paws). Cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world! They can run up to 70 miles per hour. Their long tail helps them balance when running and making sharp turns.

Cheetahs live in parts of Africa and a small area in Iran. They prefer open areas like grasslands, savannahs, and mild deserts. They need space to run and chase their prey. Cheetahs live in hot, dry climates. They can handle both very hot days and cool nights. Each cheetah needs a large area to roam and hunt. They often rest under trees or on termite mounds to watch for prey and predators.

Cheetahs are carnivores, which means they only eat meat. They hunt medium-sized antelopes like gazelles and impalas. They also catch smaller animals like hares and young warthogs. Cheetahs use their amazing speed to chase down prey. They trip their prey with their paws and then grab it with their strong jaws. They usually hunt during the day, unlike many other big cats. Cheetahs need to eat quickly before larger predators steal their food. Lions, hyenas, and leopards might attack cheetahs or steal their food. Cheetahs help control the populations of the animals they hunt.

Their body is built for speed, with a flexible spine and long legs. They have excellent eyesight to spot prey from far away. Their spotted coat helps them blend in with shadows and dry grass. Cheetahs rely more on running away from danger than fighting. They can climb trees to escape larger predators. Mother cheetahs teach their cubs to hunt. Cheetahs sometimes hunt in small groups to take down larger prey. They make chirping sounds to call to each other. Cubs have a special hair pattern on their backs called a mantle, which may help them hide in grass.