As solitary cats, mother cheetahs have their work cut out for them. So, it’s hardly surprising that they’d need to take a catnap from time to time. As this video shows, that is easier said than done.
Berti Nolte shared just such an incident, which he filmed in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Watch the video here:
A peaceful moment on the savanna
Our story begins with a special sight. A female cheetah lies on the grass, her slender body just barely hiding a playful cub behind her.
Female cheetahs give birth to up to eight offspring, although on average, the litter size is four cubs. Perhaps due to a relatively high infant mortality rate, their litters are larger than most big cats.
Silver-grey mantle
After a few moments, a second cub bounds onto the scene. You’ll note that it has long, silver-grey hair on its back, indicating it is less than four months old.
One study suggests that this hair gives them the appearance of a honey badger and may deter predators from attacking them. However, this theory is debatable, considering the vast majority of deaths are due to predation.
Playtime
The new arrival makes straight for its sibling, who greets it with outstretched paws. As with all young animals, play occupies most of their waking hours.
Consequently, as the mother sees the games begin, you get the sense she knows rest will be hard to come by. As solitary mums, not only must they protect their cubs, but they must also leave them to hunt. Therefore, any chance for rest is invaluable.
Mothers’ work is never done
Her look in the image below says it all. As her cubs’ play gets more robust behind her, she seems to be appealing for a moment’s peace.
Of course, being a good mum means being responsible. So, when she lifts her head to scan their surroundings, we realise that she hasn’t gone off duty yet.
After a brief back scratch, she rolls over. From this position, she can better scan the area for either threats or potential prey.
Playing for life
Meanwhile, her two cubs continue their sparring behind her. This kind of play is essential to their development.
It teaches them a multitude of skills that they will need later in life, while improving their strength and coordination. If you’re going to be the fastest land mammal on Earth, you’d better have the skills to back it up.
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Maybe now I can rest
Having scanned the area and found neither threats nor prey, the mother cheetah lowers her head back into her distinctive alert-resting pose.
Meanwhile, her cubs remain engrossed in their rough-and-tumble games. With a little luck, she can now close her eyes and muster her energy for the ongoing challenge of motherhood.
Cubs to killers
At birth, cheetah cubs are completely helpless. They cannot see well, and their little bodies are barely mobile.
Accordingly, their mothers keep them hidden at various den sites for the first couple of months of their lives.
At two months, they are fully mobile and will accompany their mothers, learning the necessary skills they will need throughout their lives.
By twenty months, they are accomplished hunters and move on to independence.