These big cats can run quickly because they are born with an unusually long tail, which acts as the Cheetah's primary balancing organ. Cheetahs have great stamina and burn energy very efficiently. They are built for speed, not endurance- they can reach speeds of 75 miles per hour. The species have the biggest hind legs in the cat world. These wide pawed feet are perfect for traction when they are on downhill slopes making it possible to achieve high speeds while moving on flat land. They have semi-retractable claws. It is also a species that is tall and slim but it is their long, muscular tail that provides the most power when they run. They are built for speed, not for endurance. It is a species that is smaller than lions but they are lithe and weigh less. It is a species that does not have much of a mane to help regulate their body temperature as lions do. They only run fast for 20 seconds before they have to rest because of the build-up of lactic acid in their muscles. These species are built for speed, not endurance.