The question “Is a cheetah a cat?” delves into the fascinating realm of animal taxonomy and evolutionary relationships. Cheetahs belong to the Felidae family, which encompasses all cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Therefore, by virtue of their genetic lineage and shared ancestry, cheetahs are indeed classified as cats.

The cheetah’s classification as a cat holds significant implications for understanding its behavior, ecology, and conservation. As members of the cat family, cheetahs exhibit characteristic feline traits such as retractable claws, sharp eyesight, and a carnivorous diet. Their unique adaptations, including their slender build and exceptional speed, have evolved in response to their specific ecological niche as cursorial predators.