The animal 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 , and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. It typically reaches 67–94 cm at the shoulder, and the head-and-body length is between 1.1 and 1.5 m. 

Adults weigh between 21 and 72 kg. Its head is small, rounded, and has a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. The coat is typically tawny to creamy white or pale buff and is mostly covered with evenly spaced, solid black spots. Four subspecies are recognised.