What Do Cheetahs Eat

Cheetahs are members of the cat family. They are the fastest land animals. But what do cheetahs eat? This post will answer that question, and also tell you a few interesting things about cheetahs.

What do cheetahs eat?

Cheetahs are carnivores, which means they eat other animals. Cheetahs typically prey on mammals that weigh under 40kg (88lb). The springbok, the impala, the Thomson’s Gazelle and the Grant’s Gazelle are cheetahs favorite food. When cheetahs hunt on their own they often eat baby zebras and wildebeests. When they hunt in packs they often take adult zebras and wildebeests. Cheetahs have a hunting success of 50%- which means that half of their hunts are successful.

Interesting things about cheetahs

• Cheetahs hunt using their excellent eyesight, rather than their sense of smell.
• About 90% of baby cheetahs (called ‘cubs’) are killed during the first few weeks of life. They are hunted by lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs and eagles. Mother cheetahs will try to defend their children, but they are usually unsuccessful.
• Cheetahs growl when they are annoyed or faced with danger.
• Female cheetahs can give birth to 9 cubs at a time, although the average size of a litter is 3-5 cubs.
• Cheetahs are vulnerable to extinction due to loss of natural habitat and other animals preying on them.