Big Cat Coats Comparison in the patterns of spots on the coats of spotted big cats

Cheetah spots A CHEETAH has small, solid, round spots. It is also distinguishable as a slender, long-legged animal.
Leopard spots An African LEOPARD has dark fawn spots partly enclosed by thick black border spots/blotches. It is a heavy, thick-set animal.
Jaguar spots A JAGUAR from South America has similar dark fawn spots partly enclosed by thick black marks but has black pin-spots in some of the circles. It is also stocky with a wider head than the leopard.
Black Jaguar spots Both the Leopard and the Jaguar have black versions, both called black PANTHERS. In bright light, the markings of the black spots can sometimes be seen on the dark chocolate brown coat.
Snow Leopard spots The SNOW LEOPARD has black-bordered shapes, circles and part borders on an off-white or pale grey background. It is much smaller than the Leopard.
Serval spots A SERVAL has small, solid, black spots like those of a Cheetah but also has black stripes on the neck, shoulders, top of legs and tail. It is much smaller than the Cheetah.