Cheetah vs Leopard: How to Tell the Difference Between These Spotted Big Cats
- Johan Siggesson
- Aug 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 31
Build and body shape: Cheetahs are slim and built for speed. Leopards are stockier and more muscular.
Markings: Cheetahs have solid black spots and tear marks on their faces. Leopards have rosettes and no tear lines.
Hunting style: Cheetahs hunt by day in open plains using speed. Leopards hunt by stealth, often at night or in thick cover.
Climbing habits: Leopards regularly drag prey into trees. Cheetahs rarely climb and prefer staying on the ground.
Temperament: Cheetahs are more nervous and prone to losing their kills. Leopards are confident, secretive, and solitary.
If you’ve ever been on safari or flipped through a wildlife book, you’ve probably seen photos of both cheetahs and leopards. At first glance, they can look quite similar. They both have golden coats with black spots. They both live in parts of Africa. And they are both fast, powerful predators often featured in fine art wildlife prints and leopard wall art collections.
But look a little closer and the differences are easy to spot. In this post, we’ll break down the key distinctions between these two iconic cats. From physical traits and behaviour to hunting style and habitat, we’ll explore what sets them apart and how to tell them apart in the wild.
Physical Appearance: Spot the Differences
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a cheetah and a leopard is by looking at their body shape and markings.
Cheetahs are built for speed. They have slender bodies, small heads, long legs, and deep chests. Their faces feature distinct black tear marks that run from the inner corners of the eyes down to the sides of the mouth. These markings help reduce glare from the sun and improve focus while chasing prey.
Leopards, on the other hand, are more compact and muscular. They have broader heads, shorter legs, and stockier bodies. Instead of solid spots, they have rosettes which are circular markings with a lighter centre. Leopards also lack the cheetah’s tear lines.
In short: cheetahs look like athletes. Leopards look like powerlifters.
Pro-tip: Look at the face. Tear marks mean cheetah. Rosettes mean leopard.
Speed and Hunting Style
The most famous difference between cheetah and leopard is speed. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals in the world. They can reach speeds well over 100 km/h (about 62 mph) in short bursts. But they can only maintain that speed for 20 to 30 seconds before overheating.
Because of this, cheetahs rely on open terrain and high acceleration to catch prey. They hunt during the day, often stalking their target closely and then exploding into a high-speed chase.
Leopards are not built for speed in the same way. They are strong, silent hunters. They rely on stealth, patience, and power. Leopards often hunt at night or during low light, using thick bush or trees as cover. Once close enough, they pounce with force and precision.
Cheetah characteristics are shaped by the need for speed. Everything from their spine to their claws is designed to move fast. Leopards, by contrast, are designed to adapt. They are versatile, strong, and quiet.
Pro-tip: If you see a chase across open ground, it’s probably a cheetah. If the kill happens in a tree or thick bush, it’s likely a leopard.
Behaviour and Temperament
Cheetahs tend to be more nervous and alert. Because they lack the strength to fight off larger predators like lions or hyenas, they are quick to flee if threatened. They often lose their kills to scavengers and are more active during the day to avoid those nighttime predators.
Leopards are much more secretive and self-reliant. They are strong enough to drag prey up into trees to avoid competition. They are known for being elusive and solitary. Even in areas where leopards are common, they can be hard to spot.
In terms of family structure, female cheetahs often raise their cubs alone, while males may form small groups called coalitions, usually made up of brothers. Leopards are strictly solitary, and both males and females maintain their own territories.
Pro-tip: If you see a big cat resting in a tree during the day, chances are it’s a leopard. Cheetahs prefer the ground and open views.
Cheetah vs Leopard: Habitat and Range
Both animals are found in Africa, but their habitats and territories often differ.
Cheetahs prefer open grasslands and savannahs, where their speed is an advantage. These landscapes allow them to spot prey from a distance and give them room to run. Today, cheetahs are mostly found in southern and eastern Africa, especially in countries like Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Leopards are more adaptable. They live in a wider range of environments such as savannahs, forests, mountains, and even semi-arid regions. Their ability to hide and climb makes them successful in both dense bush and rocky hills. Leopards are found across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
So while you might spot both cats on the same safari, they are usually working different parts of the landscape.
Pro-tip: Open plains and daylight activity point to a cheetah. Shaded, covered areas and tree use often signal a leopard.
Conservation Status and Threats
Both cheetahs and leopards face threats in the wild, though the challenges are different.
Cheetahs are more vulnerable. Their populations are smaller and more fragmented. Habitat loss, human conflict, and low genetic diversity all pose serious risks. Cheetahs also struggle with competition from stronger predators, which can limit their success even in good habitat.
Leopards are more resilient and widespread, but they are still under pressure from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. In some areas, they are killed for livestock protection or as part of illegal wildlife trade.
Conservation efforts vary by region. Protected areas, wildlife corridors, and community-based programs are helping both species, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
Can You Tell Which Is Which in a Photograph?
For photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, telling the difference between a cheetah and a leopard can be part of the experience. In still images, it often comes down to the details.
Look for:
Spots vs rosettes
Face shape and markings
Muscle build and leg length
Surroundings and body posture
Lighting and context also help. If the animal is perched in a tree, that’s a clue. If it’s in the open grasslands with young cubs or looking around nervously, that’s another.
And of course, if the animal is mid-sprint, there’s a good chance it’s a cheetah.
Table overview Cheetah Vs. Leopard
Feature | Cheetah | Leopard |
Build and body shape | Slim, lightweight, built for speed | Stocky, muscular, built for power |
Coat pattern | Solid black spots | Rosette-shaped spots |
Facial markings | Distinct black tear marks from eyes to mouth | No tear marks |
Hunting style | High-speed chases in open terrain | Ambush predator, uses stealth and strength |
Time of activity | Mainly diurnal (active during the day) | Mainly nocturnal (active at night) |
Climbing habits | Rarely climbs trees | Often drags prey into trees |
Temperament | Nervous, avoids conflict, loses kills easily | Confident, secretive, rarely loses kills |
Speed | Can reach speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph) | Slower than cheetah but very agile |
Preferred habitat | Open grasslands and savannahs | Forests, mountains, savannahs, and bush |
Vocalisations | Purrs, chirps, and hisses | Roars, growls, and coughs |
Final Thoughts: Two Cats, Two Stories
The cheetah vs leopard comparison isn’t just about spotting differences. It’s about appreciating how nature has shaped two big cats for completely different roles. One is built for speed, the other for strength. One is daylight and open space. The other is shadow and cover.
Both are incredible animals with complex lives and unique challenges. Whether you are a photographer, traveller, or simply someone curious about the wild, learning to tell them apart deepens your understanding of the places they live.
And next time you’re looking at a print or photograph, you might pause a little longer to notice what makes that spotted cat unique.
