# Fast Cats (DD-136)

> The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest land animal, reaching about 93-104 km/h (58-65 mph) in short sprints, and it accelerates quickly. It hunts in brief chases rather than long pursuits. Black 'tear marks' run from the inner corner of each eye down to the mouth; they're thought to reduce glare from the sun and help the cat focus on prey, working like a football player's eye black. The footage shows cheetahs running and close-ups of their faces, with the presenter.

- Department: Nature
- First published: 2023-12-22
- Last updated: 2023-12-22
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/fast-cats/
- Original Reel title: Fast Cats 🐆
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-136-F01**: The cheetah is the fastest land animal. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Fastest))_
- **DD-136-F02**: It reaches about 93-104 km/h in sprints. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Top speed))_

## Write-up

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals. Their black tear marks may cut glare from the sun.

1. **Fastest**: The cheetah is the fastest land animal.
2. **Top speed**: It reaches about 93-104 km/h in sprints.
3. **Short chases**: It hunts in brief chases.
4. **Tear marks**: Black tear marks run from eye to mouth.
5. **Glare**: The marks may reduce glare.

## Related case files

- [Tigers (DD-112)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/tigers/): I paired it with another big cat
- [Kings of the Jungle (DD-134)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/kings-of-the-jungle/): I paired it with another African big cat
- [African Gazelles (DD-138)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/african-gazelles/): I linked the cat that hunts them

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Up to 70mph': measured top speeds are about 58-65 mph (93-104 km/h).
- **Note**: 'Help reflect the sun's [glare]': dark marks absorb light; they're thought to reduce glare, not reflect it.

## Video: Fast Cats: Cheetahs Are the Fastest Land Animals

- Duration: 24.9 s · Published: 2023-12-22
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1LcfW1tGmw.mp4

### Transcript

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals and can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just a few seconds. DID YOU KNOW? Their acceleration and make them capable of reaching up to 70mph in short bursts to catch prey. Cheetahs have distinctive tear marks running from the inner corners of their eyes down to the sides of their mouths. These markings help reflect the sun's and improve focus, acting like built-in sunglasses for these swift predators. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What is the fastest land animal?**  
A: In sprints. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Fastest) · Wikipedia: Cheetah)_

**Q: How fast can it run?**  
A: 58-65 mph. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Top speed) · Wikipedia: Cheetah)_

**Q: How does it hunt?**  
A: Short bursts. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Short chases) · Wikipedia: Cheetah)_

**Q: Where are its tear marks?**  
A: Black stripes. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Tear marks) · Wikipedia: Cheetah)_

**Q: What might the marks do?**  
A: Like eye black. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Glare) · Wikipedia: Cheetah)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Cheetah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheetah)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Fast Cats." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-136, last updated Dec 22, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/fast-cats/