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 — they belong in the wild (african grasslands & open plains), and keeping one would be unsafe and usually illegal. If you love animals, check out our care guides for real pets your family can have.
🎬 See cheetahs in action
Watch kid-friendly videos about cheetahs on YouTube.
▶ Watch Cheetah videos on YouTube