The cheetah is the only cat whose claws are not fully retractable.
Unlike most felids, cheetahs retain exposed claw tips that improve traction while sprinting. Their claws, enlarged nasal passages, flexible spine, and long legs help them accelerate rapidly when chasing prey. The claws work somewhat like the spikes on running shoes.
Cheetahs are sometimes confused with leopards because both have spotted coats. A cheetah has solid black spots and distinctive black tear marks running from the eyes toward the mouth, while a leopard usually has rosette-shaped markings. Cheetahs are also more lightly built and adapted for speed rather than climbing or overpowering large prey.
The species is the fastest land animal, but it cannot maintain top speed for long. Its sprinting adaptations come with trade-offs: cheetahs have relatively poor climbing ability and are vulnerable to stronger predators stealing their kills.