Cheetah vs. Panther — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
A cheetah is a large spotted cat known for its speed, while a panther is a general term for black big cats, often referring to melanistic leopards or jaguars.
Difference Between Cheetah and Panther
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A cheetah is a distinct species, recognized for its slender body, deep chest, and distinctive "tear marks" running from the inner corners of its eyes down to the sides of its mouth. In contrast, the term panther is not specific to a single species but generally denotes big cats with a black coat, especially referring to melanistic leopards or jaguars.
The cheetah is renowned for being the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 60-70 mph in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 ft. The panther, on the other hand, doesn't refer to a specific species, so its abilities would depend on which big cat (leopard or jaguar) it represents.
While cheetahs have a lighter frame, making them adept sprinters, panthers (especially if they are jaguars) have a more robust build, suited for strength. This strength allows panthers, particularly jaguars, to have a powerful bite that can crush turtle shells and skulls.
The cheetah's spots are round and clear, while the panther, being a melanistic big cat, appears entirely black at first glance. However, in certain lighting conditions, one might discern the rosettes or spots characteristic of leopards or jaguars on a panther's coat.
While cheetahs are found primarily in parts of Africa and some regions in Iran, panthers, being either black leopards or jaguars, are located in Asia and Africa (leopards) or the Americas (jaguars).
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A distinct cat species.
A general term for black big cats.
Physical Traits
Slender body with "tear marks."
Black coat, may show rosettes in certain lighting.
Speed/Strength
Fastest land animal with speeds up to 60-70 mph.
Depends on species (jaguar or leopard) but generally strong.
Spot Pattern
Clear round spots.
Hard to discern due to black coat.
Habitat
Africa and parts of Iran.
Asia and Africa (leopards) or Americas (jaguars).
Compare with Definitions
Cheetah
A large wild cat with a spotted coat, native to Africa and parts of Asia.
The cheetah sprinted across the savannah in pursuit of its prey.
Panther
A melanistic big cat, especially a leopard or jaguar.
The panther moved silently through the night.
Cheetah
A felid with non-retractable claws and a unique "tear mark" facial pattern.
The cheetah's tear marks help reduce the sun's glare.
Panther
A term often associated with the Florida panther, a subspecies of cougar.
Conservation efforts are underway for the endangered Florida panther.
Cheetah
The fastest land animal, distinguished by its slender body.
The cheetah's acceleration is remarkable.
Panther
A term denoting a black leopard in Asia and Africa.
We were fortunate to see a panther in the wild during our trip to India.
Cheetah
A member of the genus Acinonyx, primarily found in Africa.
We spotted a cheetah during our safari in Kenya.
Panther
A black-coated member of the Felidae family.
The panther's coat shimmered under the moonlight.
Cheetah
An endangered species known for its hunting prowess.
Conservationists are working hard to protect the cheetah population.
Panther
A large wild cat such as a leopard or jaguar, especially in a color form with black fur.
Cheetah
The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, estimated to be capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h (50 to 80 mph) with the fastest reliably recorded speeds being 93 and 98 km/h (58 and 61 mph), and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail.
Panther
See cougar.
Cheetah
A long-legged, swift-running wild cat (Acinonyx jubatus) of Africa and southwest Asia, having tawny, black-spotted fur and nonretractile claws. The cheetah, the fastest animal on land, can run for short distances at about 96 kilometers (60 miles) per hour.
Panther
Any of various big cats with black fur; most especially, the black-coated leopard of India.
Cheetah
A distinctive member (Acinonyx jubatus) of the cat family, slightly smaller than the leopard, but with proportionately longer limbs and a smaller head; native to Africa and southeast Asia (where it is nearly extinct) and also credited with being the fastest terrestrial animal.
Panther
Any big cat of the genus Panthera.
Cheetah
A species of leopard (Cynælurus jubatus) tamed and used for hunting in India. The woolly cheetah of South Africa is Cynælurus laneus. It runs very fast in short spurts while hunting.
Panther
A cougar; especially the Florida panther.
Cheetah
Long-legged spotted cat of Africa and southwestern Asia having nonretractile claws; the swiftest mammal; can be trained to run down game
Panther
(slang) A girl, especially a young one, who pursues older men.
Paige is 16 and dates a 19 years old guy, she's such a panther.
Panther
A creature resembling a big cat with a multicolored hide, found in Ancient Greek mythology.
Panther
A large dark-colored variety of the leopard, by some Zoologists considered a distinct species. It is marked with large ringlike spots, the centers of which are darker than the color of the body.
Panther
In America, the name is applied to the puma, or cougar, and sometimes to the jaguar.
Panther
A large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
Panther
A leopard in the black color phase
Panther
Large American feline resembling a lion
Panther
A powerful and stealthy big cat with a dark coat.
Myths and legends often depict the panther as a mysterious and magical creature.
Common Curiosities
Are cheetahs endangered?
Yes, cheetahs are considered vulnerable, while some panther populations (like the Florida panther) are also at risk.
Can cheetahs climb trees like panthers?
Cheetahs aren't adept climbers compared to leopards (often referred to as panthers).
Do both cheetahs and panthers have spots?
Yes, cheetahs have clear round spots, while panthers have rosettes, which are hard to see on their dark coats.
Which is faster, a cheetah or a panther?
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, while the speed of a panther would depend on its species (leopard or jaguar).
Where can I find cheetahs in the wild?
Cheetahs are primarily found in Africa and some parts of Iran, whereas panthers (black leopards) can be found in Asia and Africa.
Can you find panthers in Africa?
Yes, in Africa, a panther typically refers to a melanistic leopard.
How can I tell a cheetah and panther apart?
Cheetahs have a slender build with clear spots, while panthers have a black coat with hard-to-discern rosettes.
Which is heavier, a cheetah or a panther?
Generally, panthers (being either jaguars or leopards) are heavier and more robust than cheetahs.
Is "Black Panther" a separate species?
No, "Black Panther" is a term for a melanistic leopard or jaguar, not a distinct species. It doesn't refer to cheetahs.
Is the term "panther" limited to melanistic big cats?
Primarily, but in some regions like Florida, the term panther can refer to cougars. This term is unrelated to cheetahs.
Are cheetahs and panthers closely related?
While both are big cats, the cheetah is a separate species, and panther refers to melanistic leopards or jaguars, making them distinct.
Is a panther the same as a black leopard?
In Asia and Africa, the term panther often refers to a black leopard.
Why do cheetahs have tear marks on their faces?
The cheetah's tear marks help reduce glare from the sun and focus better on prey. Panthers do not have such marks.
Are cheetahs good swimmers?
Cheetahs are not known for swimming, while many panthers (like jaguars) are good swimmers.
Do cheetahs and panthers have the same diet?
Both are carnivorous, but cheetahs often hunt smaller ungulates, while panthers (depending on the species) might have a more varied diet.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Living vs. Existing
Next Comparison
Totalitarianism vs. AuthoritarianismAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
