Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.
Do cheetahs make good pets?
Ever wondered if you could keep one?
If you’re still wondering about that question, this short post would help you.
Let’s check it out.
Do Cheetahs Make Great Pets?
No, they don’t.
Cheetahs may be one of the most popular big cats, but they’re not suited to life as a pet.
They need lots of space to roam and run, and they can be quite destructive if they’re cooped up in a small enclosure.
They also require a lot of specialized care, including a diet that’s high in protein.
Meeting all of their needs can be quite expensive and time-consuming.
So, while cheetahs may make interesting zoo animals, they’re not the best choice for a pet.
What Is A Cheetah?
The cheetah is a large, slender cat with long legs, a small head, and distinctive black spots on its fur.
Cheetahs are the fastest land mammals, capable of running at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour! Also, they live in Africa and parts of Iran and Pakistan, where they hunt during the day for gazelles, impalas, and other fast-running prey.
To escape predators such as lions and hyenas, cheetahs rely on their speed rather than strength – but this means they can only sustain their sprints for short distances.
After a chase, cheetahs often have to rest for half an hour or more before being able to hunt again.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t keep them as pets.
Cheetahs Have Very Special Dietary Needs
As you might imagine, cheetahs have very special dietary needs.
In the wild, they subsist almost entirely on an animal-based diet, and in captivity, they require a diet that is similar to what they would eat in the wild.
This means that a cheetah’s diet must be high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates.
While some people may think that it is possible to keep a cheetah as a pet on a vegetarian or even vegan diet, this is not the case.
Cheetahs require animal-based proteins and fats to thrive, and without these important nutrients, they will quickly become sick.
If you are considering keeping a cheetah as a pet, you must be prepared to provide them with a diet that meets their very specific needs.
The Population Of Cheetahs Is Declining
As human populations have grown and spread across the African continent, cheetahs have lost much of their natural habitat.
They are now classified as ‘vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and they are less than 7,500 adults remaining.
One of the biggest threats to cheetahs is the illegal trade in their skins, which are used to make rugs and other products.
Cheetahs are also killed by farmers who see them as a threat to their livestock.
However, there are some encouraging signs that conservation efforts are helping to protect these magnificent animals.
Cheetahs Require Specific Holding Facilities
If you’re interested in keeping a cheetah as a pet, you’ll need to be prepared to provide them with specific holding facilities.
Cheetahs are wild animals, and while they can be tamed to some extent, they will always have their wild instincts.
Like other wild animals with stripes and spots, cheetahs require a lot of space to roam and exercise, as well as access to fresh food and water.
You’ll also need to be prepared to handle the cheetah with care.
These animals are easily startled and can become aggressive if they feel threatened.
It’s important to socialize them from a young age so that they become used to being around humans and other animals.
Cheetahs Are Very Expensive
Cheetahs are one of the most beautiful and majestic animals in the world.
They are also one of the most expensive animals to keep as pets.
If you are thinking about getting a cheetah as a pet, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of money.
The cost of a cheetah cub can range from $8,000 to $15,000.
And that’s just for the initial purchase price.
You also need to factor in the cost of food, housing, and veterinary care.
Cheetahs require a specialized diet and need to live in large enclosures.
They also require regular vet check-ups and vaccinations.
So, if you are thinking about getting a cheetah as a pet, you need to be prepared to make a significant financial investment.
Cheetahs Die More In Captivity
In one study, it was found that the rate of disease was nearly four times higher in captive cheetahs than in wild cheetahs.
The high rate of disease in captive cheetahs is likely due to several factors, including close contact with other cheetahs (which can spread diseases), a lack of exercise, and a poor diet.
The disease is a major problem for captive cheetahs, as it is one of the leading causes of death in these animals.
To ensure the health and wellbeing of captive cheetahs, it is important for zoos and other facilities to take steps to prevent and treat diseases.
Some of the diseases that commonly affect captive cheetahs include:
– Respiratory diseases
– Gastrointestinal diseases
– Infectious diseases
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of disease in captive cheetahs, there are several steps that can be taken to decrease the rate of disease in these animals.
Related: Do Ocelots Make Good Pets?
Are Cheetahs Smart?
Yes, cheetahs are considered to be one of the smartest animals in the world.
They are known for their quick thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Cheetahs have been known to adapt to new environments quickly and efficiently.
There are many reports of cheetahs working together to solve problems, such as how to get food or escape from a predator.
This shows that cheetahs are not only smart but also can work together as a team.
While cheetahs are not the largest or strongest animal on the savannah, they can take down much larger prey thanks to their intelligence.
Cheetahs will often stalk their prey for a long time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
They will also use their speed and agility to their advantage, running circles around their prey until they are exhausted.
All of these factors show that cheetahs are extremely intelligent animals that have adapted well to their environment.
Thanks to their quick thinking and problem-solving abilities, cheetahs will continue to be one of the top predators on the savannah for many years to come.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Cheetah?
The lifespan of a cheetah in the wild is about 8-10 years.
In captivity, they can live up to 20 years.
The main reason for their shorter life span in the wild is due to predation and disease.
Cheetahs are also known to die young due to car accidents and hunting.
Conclusion
In summary, cheetahs don’t make great pets because they are expensive to keep and they die more in captivity.
They are, however, considered one of the smartest animals in the world and can take down much larger prey.
Their lifespan in the wild is about 8-10 years, but they can live up to 20 years in captivity.
Hi, my name is John, and I’m an animal lover. I’ve been fascinated with the animal kingdom since I was 5 years old, and my passion keeps growing bigger as I age. And this blog is where I share my researches and passion with animal lovers all around the world.