The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an African carnivore known for its speed, but its vocal repertoire is unique among large felines. Unlike the lion or tiger, the cheetah belongs to the lineage of “purring cats” and cannot produce a deep, resonant roar. This distinction is due to an anatomical difference: the hyoid apparatus, a bone structure in the throat, is fully ossified. This structure allows for continuous vibration, placing the cheetah closer to the domestic house cat than to the larger roaring species. Cheetah communication involves various sounds that serve social and survival purposes.
Affiliative Sounds Purrs and Chirps
The most gentle sounds are used for close-contact communication and strengthening social bonds. Purring is the primary sound of contentment, heard when cheetahs are relaxed, resting, or grooming. The purr is produced continuously during both inhalation and exhalation, generated by the rapid vibration of the laryngeal muscles. This capability is shared with smaller cats but not with roaring felines.
Another frequent social sound is the chirp or cheep, a high-pitched, bird-like vocalization. Mothers primarily use this sound to locate and gather their cubs in the open savannah. Cubs also chirp to signal their location or seek attention. The bird-like quality of the chirp may help young cubs avoid detection by larger predators like lions and hyenas.
Specific Communication Stutter Calls and Moans
Cheetahs employ specific calls for long-distance signaling and reproductive coordination, primarily the stutter-call. This call is a rapid, high-intensity, bark-like sound that males often use during courtship to advertise their presence to females in estrus.
The stutter-call has a significant function in the female reproductive cycle. Research shows the male’s call can trigger an increase in reproductive hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, inducing ovulation in the female. This form of acoustic signaling is rarely seen in mammals. Moans, which are lower-frequency sounds, also serve as general contact calls between adults over moderate distances.
Defensive and Warning Vocalizations
When a cheetah feels threatened or is in conflict, its vocalizations shift to defensive sounds. The initial warning signal is a low, rumbling growl, used to express displeasure or defend a territory or kill. This growling may intensify and be followed by a sharp hiss, which signals surprise or imminent aggression.
If the threat escalates, the cheetah often combines the hiss with a loud, forceful spitting sound. This sequence of escalating sounds is employed to warn off larger competitors, such as hyenas or lions, from a recent kill. In situations of intense distress or pain, a loud, drawn-out yowling or caterwauling sound may be produced, signaling high agitation or injury.