What member of the big cat family cannot retract its claws?

What member of the big cat family cannot retract its claws? The cheetah. Unlike most cats, the cheetah’s claws remain partly exposed rather than retracting completely into protective sheaths.

This feature is an adaptation for speed. Cheetahs use their claws like the studs on running shoes, helping them grip the ground while accelerating and making sharp turns during a chase. Their enlarged nasal passages, flexible spine, long legs, and long tail also contribute to their sprinting ability.

Cheetah claws are often described as non-retractable, but “partly non-retractable” is more precise. The claws can move somewhat, especially the inner claw, but they cannot be drawn fully back like those of lions, leopards, or domestic cats. The rough, ridged footpads provide additional traction.

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals over short distances, but their sprint is brief. They usually rely on stealth and a rapid burst of speed, then need time to recover because chasing at top speed generates intense heat.