* Birth to 3 months: Cheetahs are born covered in a coat of long, thick fur that helps them stay warm in their cold, desert environment. Their fur is also covered in spots that help them camouflage themselves from predators. Cheetahs also have large paws and long tails that help them balance and run quickly.
* 3 to 6 months: Cheetahs start to lose their baby fur and grow in their adult coat. Their spots start to fade and they begin to look more like adult cheetahs. They also start to develop their signature speed and agility.
* 6 to 12 months: Cheetahs reach their full adult size and weight. They are now fully capable of hunting and surviving on their own.
Behavioral Changes
* Birth to 3 months: Cheetahs are completely dependent on their mothers for food and care. They spend most of their time sleeping and nursing.
* 3 to 6 months: Cheetahs start to become more independent. They start to explore their surroundings and play with their siblings. They also start to learn how to hunt.
* 6 to 12 months: Cheetahs are now fully independent. They spend most of their time hunting and searching for food. They also start to form social groups with other cheetahs.
Habitat Changes
* Birth to 3 months: Cheetahs are born in dens that their mothers have dug in the ground. These dens are usually located in secluded areas, such as thickets of grass or under rocks.
* 3 to 6 months: Cheetahs start to leave their dens and explore their surroundings. They spend more time in open areas, such as grasslands and savannas.
* 6 to 12 months: Cheetahs establish their own territories. They will defend these territories from other cheetahs and predators.
Predation Changes
* Birth to 3 months: Cheetahs are very vulnerable to predators. They are small and weak, and they have not yet developed their speed and agility.
* 3 to 6 months: Cheetahs start to become more agile and faster. They are also able to learn how to avoid predators.
* 6 to 12 months: Cheetahs are now fully capable of defending themselves from predators. They are fast, agile, and powerful. They are also able to use their camouflage to their advantage.
Social Changes
* Birth to 3 months: Cheetahs are social animals that live in groups called prides. Prides are usually made up of a mother cheetah and her cubs.
* 3 to 6 months: Cheetahs start to form social bonds with other cheetahs. They will play with each other and learn how to cooperate.
* 6 to 12 months: Cheetahs are now fully integrated into their prides. They will hunt together, defend their territory together, and raise their cubs together.