Size

 

The Cheetah weighs an average of 83-145 lbs (37-65 kg), making them about the same weight as that of a leopard. The length of a Cheetah is approximately  70”-86” (178-220cm) from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. Being an extremely tall cat the Cheetah stands at an average of 32” (82cm) tall.

Newborn cubs weigh an average of 5.25-10.5 oz (148-298 gr). The body length of a cub is approximately 11.8″ (29.972 cm), which may vary.

 

 

Physical Characteristics

The cheetah is built for speed. It has long, slim, muscular legs, a small, rounded head set on a long neck, a flexible spine, a deep chest, non-retractable claws, special pads on its feet for traction and a long, tail for balance. Although fast, the cheetah cannot run at full speed for long distances (100 yards is about the limit) because it may overheat. 
Cheetahs have distinctive black "tear stripes" that connect from the inside corner of each eye to the mouth that may serve as an anti-glare device for daytime hunting. 
 

 

Breathing System

The respiratory system is very similar to that of a human, but is slightly enhanced in order for the cheetah to preform its abilities. . Enlarged nostrils, sinuses, lungs and heart allow the animal to deliver oxygen to its muscles more effectively (3). Respiration rate goes from 60 to 150 breaths per minute, which is twice that of human capacity (3). A cheetah's muscles contain a vast amount of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which consequently respire anaerobically. Because large amounts of oxygen are not readily stored in fast-twitch muscles, rapid respiration is required for a high-intensity output of activity. Duration of activity is limited to the amount of ATP that anaerobic respiration can provide (1). Although scientific studies do not explicitly say, it seems as though the adaptation for rapid  oxygen flow in cheetah respiration acts as an overcompensating mechanism to ensure that although most of the muscles do not require oxygen, when ATP is depleted, slow twitch muscles will be viable to take over. 

 

 

Life Span

 

 

The average life span in captivity is 10-12 years though cheetahs can live as long as 20 years.  In the wild, few survive more than 8 years though they can live up to 10 or 12 years.  Cub mortality is extremely high for the species in both the wild and captivity. They are most vulnerable from 6 weeks to 4 months and in open habitat like the Serengeti plains, less than 5% reach adulthood.  Predation by lions and hyenas accounts for over 70% of mortality.