Cheetahs are well-known for their incredible speed, holding the title of the fastest land animal on Earth. However, despite their reputation as fierce predators, these big cats have a surprisingly gentle side — their meow sounds more like a domestic kitten than a roaring lion.
A recent video showing this softer aspect of cheetahs has captivated audiences, highlighting that, unlike other big cats, cheetahs do not roar. Instead, they produce a meow similar to house cats, surprising many viewers.
The video, which has amassed over 5.9 million views on TikTok, features the high-speed predator making a sound that’s anything but intimidating.
Fans were quick to express their adoration in the comments. One viewer wrote, “AWW, I NEED A CHEETAH,” while another simply stated, “I LOVE THEM,” capturing the widespread affection for the animal.
Cheetahs and domestic cats belong to the subfamily Felinae, which is why their vocalizations are similar.
The vocal cords of Felinae cats are fixed, vibrating as they breathe in and out, enabling them to purr and meow but preventing them from roaring. This group also includes other species, such as the Eurasian lynx, bobcat, and cougar.
In contrast, roaring big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars are part of the Pantherinae subfamily.
These cats have a different larynx structure, with larger muscles and longer vocal folds that allow them to produce their iconic roars.
The fixed voice box of Pantherinae cats includes a special ligament that helps create their powerful, intimidating sounds.
Though cheetahs may be built for speed, their charming meows show that there’s more to these incredible animals than their impressive hunting skills.
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