Research overview: testosterone patterns and seasonality in male felids

Reproductive hormone levels in male cats can vary seasonally and with social status, influencing semen quality and reproductive behavior. This overview surveys research on testosterone and related androgens in male felids, including seasonal fluctuations in temperate species, the influence of social rank and tenure, and the relationship between hormone levels and sperm production. It reviews how noninvasive monitoring tracks male reproductive physiology and how reduced androgen levels accompany inbreeding in some isolated populations. The review connects male hormone patterns to semen quality, seasonality, and reproductive success. Understanding testosterone patterns in male felids clarifies how endocrine physiology underlies male reproductive capacity and how it responds to season, social context, and genetic condition.