Tiger vs. Cheetah: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Tigers are large, powerful cats with striped fur, native to Asia, whereas cheetahs are slender, fast cats with spotted fur, native to Africa and parts of Iran.
Key Differences
Tigers are known for their powerful build and distinctive orange fur with black stripes, making them one of the most recognizable big cats. In contrast, cheetahs have a slender, more aerodynamic body with a unique spotted coat, adapted for high-speed pursuits.
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Dec 22, 2023
In terms of habitat, tigers are versatile and can be found in varied environments across Asia, from the Siberian taiga to tropical forests. Cheetahs, however, prefer open savannas and grasslands in Africa and Iran, which suit their high-speed hunting style.
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Dec 22, 2023
When it comes to hunting tactics, tigers rely on their strength and stealth, often attacking their prey from close range. Cheetahs, on the other hand, are the fastest land animals and use their incredible speed to outrun prey over short distances.
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Dec 22, 2023
Tigers are solitary creatures, marking and defending their territory from other tigers. Cheetahs can be solitary or live in small groups, and they are less territorial than tigers, often overlapping ranges with others.
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Dec 22, 2023
Regarding conservation status, most tiger subspecies are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Cheetahs also face conservation challenges, primarily due to habitat loss and conflict with humans, and are classified as vulnerable.
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Dec 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Appearance
Large, powerful build with striped fur
Slender, aerodynamic build with spotted fur
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Dec 22, 2023
Habitat
Diverse environments in Asia
Open savannas and grasslands in Africa and Iran
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Dec 22, 2023
Hunting Strategy
Strength and stealth, close-range attacks
High-speed chases over short distances
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Dec 22, 2023
Social Behavior
Solitary, territorial
Less territorial, solitary or small groups
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Dec 22, 2023
Conservation Status
Endangered, facing habitat loss and poaching
Vulnerable, threatened by habitat loss and human conflict
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Dec 22, 2023
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Tiger and Cheetah Definitions
Tiger
Solitary and territorial in nature.
A tiger marks its territory to keep other tigers at bay.
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Dec 11, 2023
Cheetah
A fast, slender feline with a spotted coat, adapted for speed.
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 75 mph.
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Dec 11, 2023
Tiger
Known for their strength and stealth in hunting.
The tiger silently stalked its prey through the underbrush.
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Dec 11, 2023
Cheetah
Inhabits open grasslands and savannas, primarily in Africa.
Cheetahs are commonly found in the savannas of East Africa.
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Dec 11, 2023
Tiger
A large, carnivorous feline with distinctive striped fur.
The Bengal tiger is known for its impressive size and strength.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Cheetah
Less territorial, can be solitary or live in small groups.
A group of cheetahs, known as a coalition, was spotted in the grassland.
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Dec 11, 2023
Tiger
An endangered species, facing various threats like poaching.
Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of tigers in the wild.
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Dec 11, 2023
Cheetah
Utilizes incredible speed for hunting prey over short distances.
The cheetah outran the gazelle in a swift chase.
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Dec 11, 2023
Tiger
A large carnivorous feline mammal (Panthera tigris) of Asia, having a tawny coat with transverse black stripes.
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Dec 10, 2023
Cheetah
Classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and human conflicts.
Protecting the cheetah's habitat is vital for its conservation.
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Dec 11, 2023
Tiger
Any of various similar wild felines, such as the jaguar, mountain lion, or lynx.
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Dec 10, 2023
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.
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Dec 10, 2023
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.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
Panthera tigris, a large predatory mammal of the cat family, indigenous to Asia.
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Dec 10, 2023
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.
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Dec 10, 2023
Cheetah
Long-legged spotted cat of Africa and southwestern Asia having nonretractile claws; the swiftest mammal; can be trained to run down game
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
(heraldry) A representation of a large mythological cat, used on a coat of arms.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
A relatively small country or group of countries with a fast-growing economy.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
(obsolete) A servant in livery, who rides with his master or mistress.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
Any of the three Australian species of black-and-yellow striped dragonflies of the genus Ictinogomphus.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
A final shouted phrase, accompanied by a jump or outstretched arms, at the end of a cheer.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
A very large and powerful carnivore (Felis tigris) native of Southern Asia and the East Indies. Its back and sides are tawny or rufous yellow, transversely striped with black, the tail is ringed with black, the throat and belly are nearly white. When full grown, it equals or exceeds the lion in size and strength. Called also royal tiger, and Bengal tiger.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
A kind of growl or screech, after cheering; as, three cheers and a tiger.
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
A fierce or audacious person;
He's a tiger on the tennis court
It aroused the tiger in me
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
Large feline of forests in most of Asia having a tawny coat with black stripes; endangered
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Dec 10, 2023
Tiger
Native to various Asian environments, from jungles to cold taigas.
Siberian tigers are adapted to the harsh climate of the Siberian taiga.
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Dec 11, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the top speed of a cheetah?
Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 75 mph.
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Dec 22, 2023
Where do tigers naturally live?
Tigers live in varied environments across Asia.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do tigers hunt their prey?
Tigers use strength and stealth for close-range attacks.
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Dec 22, 2023
Are cheetahs solitary animals?
Cheetahs can be solitary or live in small groups.
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Dec 22, 2023
Are cheetahs good climbers?
Cheetahs are not adept climbers like some other big cats.
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Dec 22, 2023
How many tiger subspecies are there?
There are six living subspecies of tigers.
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Dec 22, 2023
What is unique about a cheetah's claws?
Cheetahs have semi-retractable claws that provide better grip during high-speed chases.
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Dec 22, 2023
What is the conservation status of tigers?
Most tiger subspecies are endangered.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do tigers mark their territory?
Tigers mark territory with scent markings and vocalizations.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do cheetahs communicate?
Cheetahs communicate through vocalizations and body language.
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Dec 22, 2023
How do cheetahs hunt in the wild?
Cheetahs hunt by sprinting at high speeds to catch prey like gazelles.
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Dec 22, 2023
Do cheetahs have natural predators?
Yes, cheetahs can fall prey to larger predators like lions.
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Dec 22, 2023
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Cheetahs prefer open savannas and grasslands.
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Dec 22, 2023
What are the major threats to tigers in the wild?
Major threats include habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
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Dec 22, 2023
How long do cheetahs live in the wild?
Cheetahs typically live around 10 to 12 years in the wild.
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Dec 22, 2023
How long can a cheetah maintain its top speed?
Cheetahs can maintain top speed for short bursts, usually up to 30 seconds.
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Dec 22, 2023
What do tigers eat?
Tigers are carnivorous and primarily eat large mammals like deer and wild boar.
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Dec 22, 2023
Are tigers active during the day or night?
Tigers are mainly nocturnal but can be active at dusk and dawn.
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Dec 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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