Cheetahs are often confused with leopards, but there are some clear distinctive markings, such as the typical tear stripes in the cheetah's face, the longer legs and the darker spots in its fur. In contrast to leopards, cheetahs are quite social beings who usually live as couples or in small groups. They are not very aggressive and it is relatively easy to tame them.

Cheetahs can be bred in captivity and are no longer on the list of endangered species today.

Cheetahs are the fastest of all the land animals. They have been clocked at sprinting speeds of 114 km/h. Cheetahs can bring down their prey after a short-coursing hunt, but would not be able to chase another animal to death over longer distances. Cheetahs are known to be sight-hunters and can be watched hunting in the mornings or late afternoons. When they eventually kill their prey, they are often totally out of breath for awhile, and since they are the weakest of all the animals of prey, a bigger predator can easily snatch their prey away from them.