The cheetah is a lightly built spotted cat characterised with a small rounded head, a short muzzle, black tear-like facial streaks, a deep chest, long thin legs and a long tail. Its slender, canine form contrasts sharply with the robust build of the big cats. The coat is covered with numerous round, evenly spaced solid black spots on a tawny to creamy white or pale buff background. Each cheetah has a distinct pattern of spots that can be used to uniquely identify individuals.
