Here's a breakdown of their closest relatives:
* Acinonyx jubatus (Cheetah): This is the only living species within the genus *Acinonyx*.
* Acinonyx pardinensis (American cheetah): This extinct species is closely related to the modern cheetah and was once found in North America.
* Puma concolor (Cougar or mountain lion): The cougar is one of the closest living relatives of the cheetah.
* Puma yagouaroundi (Yagouaroundi): This small, sleek cat is also a close relative.
* Leopardus (Ocelots, margay, and other small spotted cats): These cats share a common ancestor with the cheetah.
While they share common ancestry, cheetahs are quite unique in their own right. Their incredibly fast speed and lean body form differentiate them from other cats within the Felidae family.