Difference Between Leopard and Cheetah

Leopards and Cheetahs both belong to the Felidae family, which includes all big cats. Leopards have spots that look like little roses and can climb trees very well. Cheetahs have simple round spots, are super slim, and can run super fast, faster than any other land animal.

Difference Between Leopard and Cheetah

In this article, we are going to learn the differences between Leopard and Cheetah.

Difference Between Leopard and Cheetah

Differences Between Leopard and Cheetah are discussed below:

Leopard vs Cheetah
Features	Cheetah	Leopard
Body form	They have a slender body form	They have a slender and muscular body form
Body coat	It has consistent black spots on a creamy white coat	It has rosettes on a pale yellow or a golden coat
Speed	It can go up to a speed of 130 Km/hr	It can go up to a speed of 58 Km/hr
Tail	It has a flat rudder-like tail similar airplane’s rudder	It has a long tubular tail with a white tip
Face	It has black-tear-like strips on the face	It has similar rosettes on the face
Location	Mainly found in the southern ranges of the Sahara desert, and in the east and southern ranges of Africa	Mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, China, Central Asia, India, and Northeast Africa.
Hunting	Cheetah usually hunts during the day	Leopard main hunts during the night
Climbing Tree	Cheetahs can’t climb trees.	Leopards can climb trees with the help of their retractile claws.
Jaws and Teeth	Cheetah has smaller Jaw and Teeth	Compared with Cheetah, Leopard has larger teeth and Jaw.

Characteristics of Leopard 

Here are some characteristic features of Cheetah :

• Coat: Leopards have a distinctive coat with rosette-shaped spots that provide camouflage in their natural habitat.
• Strength: They are powerful big cats capable of climbing trees, even when carrying heavy prey.
• Solitary: Leopards are solitary animals, preferring to live and hunt alone.
• Versatile Diet: Their diet is diverse, including small animals, birds, fish, and large ungulates.
• Habitat: Found in a wide range of habitats including forests, mountains, grasslands, and deserts across Africa and parts of Asia.
• Stealth: Excellent at stalking their prey, using their camouflaged coat to blend into the environment before attacking.
• Nocturnal: Primarily nocturnal, most active during the night.
• Swimming: Unlike most cats, leopards are strong swimmers and often hunt and play in water.

Leopard

Characteristics of Cheetah

Here are some characteristic features of Cheetah :

• Speed: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals, capable of speeds up to 75 mph (120 km/h) in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 ft (460 m).
• Spots: They have a unique coat patterned with evenly spaced, solid black spots.
• Body Structure: Slim and lightweight body, long legs, and a flexible spine to aid in their acceleration.
• Tail: Long and muscular tail that acts like a rudder for steering at high speeds.
• Head: Small head with high-set eyes for spotting prey over long distances.
• Claws: Non-retractable claws that provide better grip during high-speed chases.
• Habitat: Prefer open fields and savannahs where they can utilize their speed for hunting.
• Diet: Carnivorous, primarily hunting small to medium-sized ungulates.

Cheetah

Similarities between Leopard and Cheetah

Leopards and cheetahs share several similarities, including:

• Carnivorous Diet: Both are predators that primarily feed on meat.
• Spotted Coats: They have spotted coats that help camouflage them in their natural habitats.
• African Habitat: Both species are found in Africa, although leopards have a wider geographic range.
• Solitary Nature: Generally, both leopards and cheetahs are solitary animals, except during mating season or when females are raising their cubs.
• Exceptional Agility: Each possesses remarkable agility, with leopards being powerful climbers and cheetahs renowned for their speed.

Read More :

• Difference Between Leopard, Cheetah and Jaguar
• World’s Fastest Animal
• Difference Between Cougar and Panther

FAQs on Leopard vs Cheetah

Are Leopard and Cheetah the Same?

No, leopards and cheetahs are not the same. They are distinct species with different physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.

What is the Difference between Leopard Cheetah and Jaguar?

Leopards have rosette spots and are found in Africa and parts of Asia, cheetahs have distinct round spots and are known for their speed, and jaguars, found in the Americas, are larger with rosette spots that have spots inside them.

What is the Size of Leopard vs Cheetah?

Leopards are generally larger and more robust, with an average body length of up to 6.25 feet (1.9 meters) and weight up to 90 kg (198 lbs), while cheetahs are slimmer, with a body length up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) and weight up to 72 kg (159 lbs).

What is the Speed of Leopard vs Cheetah?

A cheetah can reach speeds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h) in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 ft (460 m), making it the fastest land animal. In contrast, a leopard’s speed is significantly lower, with top speeds of about 36 mph (58 km/h).

Who is More Powerful Leopard or Cheetah?

Despite the fact that leopards are small in body shape, but have a more muscular body shape than a cheetah and thus are stronger than a cheetah.

Who is Faster Leopard or Cheetah?

A Cheetah is faster than a leopard, and also the fastest land animal that can go up to a speed of 80-130 Km/Hr.

What is the Prey of Leopard?

A leopard usually hunts warthogs, fish, hares, birds, lizards, baboons, and porcupines.

Can Cheetah Roar?

Many biologists believe that a Cheetah can’t roar it can purr.