Differences between Leopards and Cheetahs

Leopards and Cheetahs are two ionic animals on an African Safari Holiday. These two big cats are often mistaken for one another, as they are a similar size, occupy much of the same habitat, and have similar tawny coats with spotted markings. There are some key differences that can help in identifying which of these amazing cats you are looking at.

Size

Although similar sized, there are noticeable differences in the build and structure of leopards and cheetahs. Leopards are much stockier, with a heavy frame, and shorter legs, creating a body that is built for strength. Cheetahs on the other hand are far more slender, with longer legs; they are built for speed, and their highly adapted frame has made them the fastest animal on the planet.

Coats

One of the major similarities between leopards and cheetahs is their similar coats. Both are a tawny colour and covered in black spotted markings. However, there is a key difference in their markings that helps identify them. A Cheetah’s markings are solid black dots. However, a leopard’s markings are known as rosettes, and are more like a cluster of black dots with a brown spot in the middle.

Time of day

The time of day that you see one of these big cats is a good indicator of which you are looking at. Cheetahs are diurnal, meaning that are most active during the day. Leopards on the other hand are nocturnal, and are most active at night. Leopards are much more elusive than cheetahs, and it is this quality that led to them being included as one of the “Big Five”.

Physical Features

A few other physical features help identify these big cats. A leopard’s head for example is much broader, whilst a Cheetah has a smaller and rounder face and head. A key feature that distinguishes these cats is that Cheetahs lack retractable claws. This feature is interesting as it highlights that leopards are more closely related to other big cats like lions and tigers than to cheetahs.