What makes cheetahs faster than other animals?

Cheetahs of course have a range of adaptations all contributing to their sprinting prowess. Their body shape alone gives you a good idea—very light and sleek compared to other cats, with a deep chest for large lungs and efficient breathing. read more

Their claws, unlike those of all other cats, are not fully retractable, because they use them more as cleats than as weapons. The key thing, though, may be their spines. read more

The cheetah is the fastest land animal, achieving a top speed of about 70 mph (113 kph) [sources: Blue Lion, Defenders of Wildlife]. This incredible speed comes with a price, though -- a cheetah is a rather puny large cat. read more