The cheetah can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than about 3 seconds. This extraordinary burst helps it close the final distance to fleeing prey, making the cheetah the fastest land animal in short sprints.
The cheetah's body is built for acceleration and maneuverability. Long legs, large powerful hind-limb muscles, a flexible spine, and a long tail help it build speed and make rapid directional changes. Its semi-retractable claws provide traction, while enlarged nasal passages and lungs support intense oxygen demand during a chase.
The often-repeated top speed of 70 mph or more is not considered reliably measured. Carefully recorded cheetah speeds are closer to 60–65 mph, and GPS studies of wild hunts have often found lower maximum speeds because real chases involve turns, uneven ground, and prey reactions.
Acceleration does not equal endurance. A cheetah usually hunts in short bursts, often lasting under a minute, because sprinting rapidly generates heat and consumes energy. It must get close before the chase begins; a long pursuit can leave the cat exhausted and vulnerable to losing its meal to lions, hyenas, or other competitors.