Cheetahs: 0 to 60 MPH Faster Than a Car

The cheetah is the fastest land animal on Earth. While a sports car uses an engine to gain speed, a cheetah uses biology. A cheetah can go from standing still to 60 miles (97 kilometers) per hour in just three seconds. This explosive speed is possible because nearly every part of the cheetah’s body is built for running.

Built for Aerodynamics

A cheetah has a lightweight frame, a small head, and a deep chest. This shape is aerodynamic (cuts through the air easily). To fuel its muscles, the cheetah has an enlarged heart and oversized lungs. Large nostrils allow the animal to gulp huge amounts of air while running. This system pumps oxygen-rich blood to the muscles instantly, providing the energy needed for sudden bursts of speed.

The Flexible Spine

The secret to the cheetah’s long stride is its spine. The backbone is incredibly flexible, acting like a coiled spring. When the cheetah runs, its spine stretches out and then snaps back. This motion allows the rear legs to reach far forward, crossing past the front legs.

During a full sprint, there are two moments in every stride where all four paws are off the ground. This effectively makes the cheetah “fly” across the savanna. One stride can cover up to 22 feet (7 meters).

Traction and Steering

Power is useless without grip. Unlike other cats, cheetahs cannot fully retract (pull in) their claws. The claws remain exposed effectively acting like spikes on a track shoe or cleats on a soccer boot. They dig into the ground to provide traction, preventing the cheetah from slipping during rapid acceleration.

The long, muscular tail acts as a rudder (a steering device used on boats). When chasing prey like gazelles, the cheetah must make sharp turns without slowing down. By swinging its tail to one side, the cheetah counteracts its body weight, allowing it to turn instantly while moving at high speeds.