Research overview: multiple paternity in felid litters

Because female cats may mate with several males during a single estrus, individual litters can contain offspring sired by more than one father. This overview surveys evidence for multiple paternity across felid species, documented through genetic parentage analysis, and the conditions under which it occurs. It reviews how multiple paternity reflects female mating with multiple males, the potential benefits of increased genetic diversity or reduced inbreeding, and its prevalence in species such as cheetahs and domestic cats. The review connects multiple paternity to mating systems, sperm competition, and management of captive breeding. Understanding multiple paternity clarifies an important feature of felid reproduction that shapes the genetic structure of populations and the interpretation of pedigree data.