How Fast Are Cheetahs?

Cheetahs are capable of reaching speeds of up to 114 km (71 miles) per hour, making them the fastest land animals. However, they can maintain such speeds for short distances only. They can accelerate from 0 to 96.5 km (60 miles) per hour in less than three seconds. This rapid acceleration is crucial for their hunting strategy, allowing them to quickly close the gap between themselves and their prey. Cheetahs routinely reach speeds of 80 to 100 km (50 to 62 miles) per hour during a hunt.

The cheetah’s body is built for speed, with several adaptations that enhance their sprinting abilities, such as elongated spines for increased stride length. Their legs are proportionally longer than those of other big cats. Additionally, cheetahs have nonretractable claws and hard foot pads that offer extra traction, much like tire treads or the cleats worn by athletes. These physical traits, combined with a long tail for balance, enable cheetahs to maintain high speeds during their short, intense chases.

Internally, cheetahs possess large livers, adrenal glands, lungs, bronchi, nasal passages, and hearts, all of which support the intense physiological demands of sprinting. During a chase, they can take about 60 to 150 breaths per minute, and their bodies generate heat faster than it can be dissipated. This is why their high-speed pursuits are typically limited to distances of less than 200 to 300 meters (660 to 980 feet).