Unlike other large cats, the cheetah’s claws are only semi-retractable. The top speed of a cheetah is around 113 km per hour. They have large non-retractable claws that are used to prevent skidding when cornering quickly, and to pull down an animal. These claws identical in ligament structure to that of a Lion or Leopard lacks a sheath covering and fur that other cats have to retract them. Cheetahs have non-retractable claws which dig into the ground, giving them a better grip at high speed. A cheetah’s body is designed for fast acceleration. 12. Cheetahs are the fastest land animal in the world. The King cheetah had distinctive black stripes, as well as spots. This helps protect the claws against wear and tear. A cheetah has semi-retractable claws, like the Fishing Cat, Flat-Headed Cat and the Iriomote Cat. In just a few seconds, they can go from 0 to 113 km. They have a unique black tear mark that protects them from being blinded by the sun. 10. This ability is excellent for hunting prey. Cheetah Facts for Kids. Cheetahs have paws that are narrower than other large felids, resembling the paws of dogs rather than cats. “The difference is that their claws protrude beyond the fur, and cheetah claws lack the sheaths that cover the claws of other cats.” A further note. During chase, the cheetah can take up to 150 breaths per minute. Incredible Cheetah Cub Facts & Info. A cheetah’s short nose and broad nostrils allow it to breathe while holding the killing bite on its prey’s throat. Cheetahs have claws that are blunt, slightly curved and only semi-retractable. 1. Cheetah Facts & Info, Pictures, Video's. These cats are fast. Cheetah claws are like running spikes, used to increase traction while pursuing prey. A cheetah is much smaller than the lion. That’s why their genus name is acinonyx, which means “no move claw.” 11. They function more as running spikes, to give the animal traction during high-speed chases, rather than as killing weapons. Please do not use it without license which you can get from Envato Elements. These sprinters’ claws need to be at the ready at all times, so that they can take off at a moment’s notice (the claws help to keep them from slipping at high speeds). The claws on these cats are retractable and they have the same claw retraction mechanism as other cat species. The spots of a cheetah are used for camouflage. Interesting Cheetah Facts 1. The exceptional speed of the cheetah is due to its strong and powerful hind legs and great flexible and muscular spine which makes them very agile. They are big cats. We have a commercial license to use this image. Cheetahs measure between four and five feet long, but their flexible spine helps them reach a stride that measures up to 20 feet. Skip to content. Cheetahs can reach 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) at the shoulder and weigh 21-66 kg (46–145 lb), making them about the same weight as that of a leopard. Interesting Facts About Cheetah: 1-20. The cheetah is known for being the fastest land animal on the globe. This cat is now extinct. Although taller than the leopard, the cheetah has a lighter build. The black streaks found underneath a cheetah’s eyes help reduce the glare from the sun. Cheetah facts: how a cheetah uses its tail for balance during a chase 3. 13. Let us take a look at 40 interesting facts about Cheetah. A cheetah’s claws do not retract. Cheetahs are an exception to this rule…almost. 2. Learn all their is to know about Cheetahs in the wild. A carnivorous mammal, Cheetah’s scientific name is Acinonyx Jubatus. Designed for fast acceleration underneath a cheetah uses its tail for balance during a chase.. Claws are like running spikes, to give the animal traction during high-speed chases rather. 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