Research overview: longevity and the reproductive lifespan of captive felids

Captive cats often live longer than their wild counterparts, raising questions about how reproductive performance changes across an extended lifespan. This overview surveys data on longevity and reproductive senescence in zoo-managed felids, where detailed records allow examination of how late in life animals continue to breed. It considers how nutrition, veterinary care, and the absence of predation extend life while reproductive function may still decline with age. The review discusses management decisions about when to retire animals from breeding and how to use assisted reproduction to capture the genetics of aging individuals. Understanding the reproductive lifespan in captivity supports studbook planning and the preservation of valuable founder genetics before fertility is lost.