Research overview: age-related fertility decline across felids

As cats age, their reproductive output typically declines through reduced fertility, smaller litters, and lower offspring survival. This overview surveys patterns of age-related fertility decline across felid species, drawing on captive records and long-term field studies. It considers how declining oocyte quality, uterine changes, and reduced cub-rearing capacity contribute, and how these trends differ between the sexes. The review discusses the practical implications for breeding management, where older animals may need assisted reproduction or may be retired from breeding. It also connects fertility decline to questions about the evolution of senescence. Understanding how and when reproductive performance falls with age supports both conservation breeding decisions and comparative studies of aging in carnivores.