Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Felidae
Genus: Acinonyx
Species: Acinonyx jubatus
Cheetahs belong to the class Mammalia, which includes animals that are warm-blooded, have fur or hair, produce milk for their young, and possess a highly developed brain and nervous system. Within the class Mammalia, cheetahs belong to the order Carnivora, which includes meat-eating animals such as cats, dogs, bears, and seals. The family Felidae, to which cheetahs belong, encompasses various feline species including lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Within the Felidae family, cheetahs are classified under the genus Acinonyx and are the sole species within this genus. The scientific name for the cheetah is Acinonyx jubatus.