Tiger vs. Cheetah — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Tiger is a large, striped feline primarily found in Asia, known for its strength and solitary nature. Cheetah is a slender, spotted feline native to Africa, renowned for being the fastest land animal.
Difference Between Tiger and Cheetah
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Tiger is a large, ferocious feline species predominantly found in the forests, swamps, and grasslands of Asia. Tigers are known for their striking orange coat with black stripes. They are apex predators, solitary by nature, and rely on their strength and stealth for hunting.
On the other hand, a Cheetah is a much smaller and slender feline native to Africa and parts of Iran. Cheetahs are recognized for their unique black tear stripes on the face and their spotted coat. They are social animals and are famously known for their speed, which they use as their main hunting strategy.
When it comes to strength, the Tiger is far stronger and is capable of bringing down larger prey. Tigers are also skilled swimmers and often hunt in the water. They predominantly rely on stalking their prey and use their immense strength to make the kill.
In contrast, the Cheetah relies on speed rather than strength. Cheetahs can run up to speeds of 58-64 miles per hour in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters, and have the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a few seconds. This makes them incredibly efficient at chasing down and capturing prey.
The Tiger and Cheetah also have cultural significance. Tigers often feature in various Asian myths, folklore, and are national symbols for several countries. Cheetahs, while not as culturally embedded as tigers, are often seen as symbols of speed and agility and feature in various African folklore stories.
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Comparison Chart
Habitat
Primarily Asia
Primarily Africa
Physical Characteristics
Large, strong, striped
Slender, spotted
Hunting Style
Strength and stealth
Speed
Social Nature
Solitary
Social, often in small groups
Cultural Significance
Featured in Asian myths
Symbols of speed in Africa
Compare with Definitions
Tiger
A large, carnivorous feline found mainly in Asia.
The tiger is an apex predator in its habitat.
Cheetah
A slender, carnivorous feline native to Africa.
The cheetah is the fastest land animal.
Tiger
Known for its orange coat with black stripes.
The tiger's stripes help it camouflage in the forest.
Cheetah
Recognizable by its spotted coat and tear stripes.
The cheetah's spots and tear stripes are unique identifiers.
Tiger
Capable of swimming and often hunts in water.
Unlike many big cats, the tiger is an excellent swimmer.
Cheetah
Social animals often found in small groups.
Cheetah brothers often form coalitions for hunting.
Tiger
A solitary animal that relies on strength for hunting.
A tiger can bring down large prey like deer and buffalo.
Cheetah
Known for incredible speed when hunting.
A cheetah can reach speeds of up to 64 miles per hour.
Tiger
Often featured in Asian culture and folklore.
The tiger symbolizes strength and courage in various Asian cultures.
Cheetah
Lacks the strength of other big cats.
The cheetah relies on speed, not strength, to catch its prey.
Tiger
The tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest living cat species and a member of the genus Panthera. It is most recognisable for its dark vertical stripes on orange-brown fur with a lighter underside.
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.
Tiger
A large carnivorous feline mammal (Panthera tigris) of Asia, having a tawny coat with transverse black stripes.
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.
Tiger
Any of various similar wild felines, such as the jaguar, mountain lion, or lynx.
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.
Tiger
A person regarded as aggressive, audacious, or fierce.
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.
Tiger
Panthera tigris, a large predatory mammal of the cat family, indigenous to Asia.
Cheetah
Long-legged spotted cat of Africa and southwestern Asia having nonretractile claws; the swiftest mammal; can be trained to run down game
Tiger
A male tiger; as opposed to a tigress.
Tiger
(heraldry) A representation of a large mythological cat, used on a coat of arms.
Tiger
A leopard.
Tiger
A relatively small country or group of countries with a fast-growing economy.
Tiger
(obsolete) A servant in livery, who rides with his master or mistress.
Tiger
A person who is very athletic during sexual intercourse.
Tiger
(figurative) A ferocious, bloodthirsty and audacious person.
Tiger
A kind of growl or screech, after cheering.
Three cheers and a tiger
Tiger
A pneumatic box or pan used in refining sugar.
Tiger
A tiger moth in the family Arctiidae.
Tiger
A tiger beetle.
Tiger
Any of the three Australian species of black-and-yellow striped dragonflies of the genus Ictinogomphus.
Tiger
A tiger butterfly in tribe Danaini, especially subtribe Danaina
Tiger
A final shouted phrase, accompanied by a jump or outstretched arms, at the end of a cheer.
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.
Tiger
Fig.: A ferocious, bloodthirsty person.
As for heinous tiger, Tamora.
Tiger
A servant in livery, who rides with his master or mistress.
Tiger
A kind of growl or screech, after cheering; as, three cheers and a tiger.
Tiger
A pneumatic box or pan used in refining sugar.
Tiger
A fierce or audacious person;
He's a tiger on the tennis court
It aroused the tiger in me
Tiger
Large feline of forests in most of Asia having a tawny coat with black stripes; endangered
Common Curiosities
How does a Tiger hunt?
Tigers use their strength and stealth to stalk and overpower their prey.
What is a Tiger?
A tiger is a large, carnivorous feline primarily found in Asia, known for its strength and distinctive striped coat.
How does a Cheetah hunt?
Cheetahs use their incredible speed to chase and capture their prey.
Do Tigers have cultural significance?
Yes, tigers have significant cultural importance in various Asian cultures, symbolizing strength and courage.
Are Cheetahs social animals?
Yes, cheetahs are often found in small social groups, particularly brothers.
What is a Cheetah?
A cheetah is a slender feline native to Africa, famous for being the fastest land animal.
What do Tigers eat?
Tigers are carnivores that eat a variety of prey, including deer, buffalo, and smaller mammals.
Can Tigers swim?
Yes, tigers are excellent swimmers and often hunt in water.
Where is the Cheetah mainly found?
Cheetahs are mainly found in Africa, although a small population exists in Iran.
Where is the Tiger mainly found?
Tigers are mainly found in Asia, including countries like India, Russia, and China.
Are Tigers endangered?
Yes, tigers are an endangered species with decreasing populations due to habitat loss and poaching.
Are Cheetahs endangered?
Yes, cheetahs are vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and human conflict.
What do Cheetahs eat?
Cheetahs primarily eat small to medium-sized ungulates like gazelles.
Do Cheetahs have cultural significance?
Cheetahs are often seen as symbols of speed and agility in African cultures.
How fast can a Cheetah run?
A cheetah can run at speeds up to 58-64 miles per hour for short distances.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
