top of page
Writer's picturejessiekdesign

Cheetah Teeth

Updated: Jun 9

Cheetahs are known for their incredible speed and agility, but they also have unique physical characteristics that make them exceptional hunters. One of these features is their teeth, which are perfectly adapted to help them catch and kill their prey.

cheetah yawning

Cheetahs have a set of teeth that are specialized for slicing through flesh, which is essential for catching and consuming their prey. Their canines are long and sharp, allowing them to easily puncture the skin of their prey and hold on as they bring it down. They also have sharp incisors and molars, which are ideal for shearing through muscle and bone.


One of the most unique features of cheetah teeth is the presence of ridges on the upper premolars and molars. These ridges, known as the carnassial shear, help the cheetah to slice through meat like a pair of scissors. The shearing action of the teeth is so effective that it can cut through the skin and bones of the prey, allowing the cheetah to access the nutrient-rich muscles beneath.

cheetah baring teeth

The dental formula of cheetahs is also unique. Like most cats, they have a total of 30 teeth, with 16 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. However, their teeth are larger and more robust than those of other cats, reflecting their need to tackle larger prey. Additionally, their lower jaw is wider than their upper jaw, which helps to enhance the effectiveness of the carnassial shear.


The teeth of cheetahs play a critical role in their hunting success. Because cheetahs are built for speed rather than strength, they rely on their teeth to quickly and efficiently take down their prey. Once the prey is caught, the teeth enable the cheetah to quickly and easily tear off pieces of meat and consume them.

cheetah staring while laying down

Despite the importance of their teeth for hunting and feeding, cheetahs do experience dental problems from time to time. They can develop cavities, gum disease, and other issues, just like domestic cats and other animals. However, because their teeth are so vital to their survival, it is important for cheetahs to receive prompt veterinary care if they experience dental problems.


Cheetahs are some of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures on the planet. Their sleek bodies and incredible speed make them a marvel of nature. Let's take a closer look at these amazing big cats and all the ways they make our world a more exciting place.

five cheetahs laying in grass

Let's now talk about their speed. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour in just a few seconds. That's faster than most sports cars! They use their incredible speed to chase down prey like gazelles and antelopes, which they can usually catch in just a few seconds.

But it's not just their speed that makes them unique. Cheetahs also have amazing eyesight, which allows them to spot prey from a distance of up to 3 miles away. And once they've got their prey in sight, they use their sharp claws to take it down.

cheetah standing on tree trunk

Another thing that makes cheetahs unique is their vocalizations. They make a wide variety of sounds, from purrs and growls to chirps and barks. This helps them communicate with each other and also serves as a warning to potential threats.

Cheetahs are also very social animals. They live in groups called coalitions, which are usually made up of siblings. These groups can include both males and females, and they work together to hunt and protect their territory.

Unfortunately, cheetahs are also facing a number of threats in the wild. Habitat loss, hunting, and poaching have all taken a toll on their populations, and there are now fewer than 7,000 cheetahs left in the wild. But conservation efforts are underway to help protect these amazing creatures and ensure that they continue to roam the African savannahs for generations to come.

cheetah standing in grass

Here are 15 interesting facts about cheetahs:

  1. Cheetahs are the fastest land animal in the world, capable of running up to speeds of 70 miles per hour.

  2. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a few seconds.

  3. Cheetahs have a unique black tear-like marking on their face that helps to reflect the sun and reduce glare while hunting.

  4. They have long, slender bodies, long legs, and a small head to help them move quickly and easily through grasslands.

  5. Cheetahs are diurnal, which means they are most active during the day.

  6. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar but instead communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, including chirps, growls, and purrs.

  7. Cheetahs are carnivores and mainly eat small to medium-sized antelopes, such as gazelles and springboks.

  8. They have keen eyesight and can spot prey from over a mile away.

  9. Female cheetahs are solitary animals and only come together to mate.

  10. Cheetahs can have litters of up to eight cubs, but the average litter size is three to four cubs.

  11. Cheetah cubs have a high mortality rate and are vulnerable to predation, disease, and starvation.

  12. Cheetahs are considered an endangered species with an estimated population of around 7,500 to 10,000 individuals left in the wild.

  13. In some African countries, cheetahs have been tamed and used for hunting.

  14. Cheetahs are capable of jumping up to 23 feet in a single leap.

  15. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs have non-retractable claws that provide traction when running and help them to change direction quickly.

cheetah mother running with baby

In conclusion, cheetahs have a unique set of teeth that are perfectly adapted to help them catch and consume their prey. From their long, sharp canines to their specialized carnassial shear, every aspect of their dental anatomy has been shaped by evolution to support their hunting and feeding habits. Despite the challenges of maintaining healthy teeth in the wild, cheetahs continue to rely on their impressive dental arsenal to thrive in their natural habitat.



Recent Posts

See All

Commentaires


bottom of page