A cheetah is built like a race car: lightweight body, long legs, a bendy spine that works like a spring, and a long tail it uses to steer at top speed. But sprints are exhausting — after a chase a cheetah needs a long rest to cool down.
📋 Cheetah at a glance
⚡ Superpower
Cheetahs go from standing still to 60 mph in about 3 seconds — faster than most sports cars!
🤩 Amazing Cheetah facts
Cheetahs can hit 70 mph, but only for about 20–30 seconds.
❓ Common questions about cheetahs
How big is a cheetah?
Up to 140 lb (64 kg). Cheetahs can hit 70 mph, but only for about 20–30 seconds.
Where do cheetahs live?
Cheetahs live in the wild: african grasslands & open plains. They are wild animals and are never kept as pets.
How long do cheetahs live?
Cheetahs typically live 8–12 years in the wild.
Can you keep a cheetah as a pet?
No — Cheetahs are wild animals that belong in the wild (african grasslands & open plains), and keeping one would be unsafe and usually illegal. The closest pet you can actually keep is a cat — see our care guide.
Could you keep a cheetah as a pet?
No — cheetahs are wild animals that belong in the wild, and keeping one would be unsafe and almost always illegal. But if cheetahs are your favorite, here's the closest pet you actually can welcome home:
Meet the CatBecause cheetahs are wild cats built for speed, and a house cat shares much of their feline nature.
See care guide →
🎬 See cheetahs in action
Watch kid-friendly videos about cheetahs on YouTube.
▶ Watch Cheetah videos on YouTube