Are mountain lions and cheetahs related?

Mountain lions (Puma concolor) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are both members of the Felidae family, which includes cats. However, they are not closely related. Mountain lions are members of the subfamily Felinae, which also includes lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and other large cats. Cheetahs are members of the subfamily Acinonychinae, which only includes cheetahs.

Mountain lions and cheetahs have different evolutionary histories and physical adaptations that reflect their different lifestyles and habitats. Mountain lions are large, powerful cats that are well-adapted to hunting in rugged, mountainous terrain. Cheetahs are smaller, more slender cats that are built for speed and specialize in chasing down prey on open grasslands.