older unspayed cats

Question
I manage a feral cat colony and a particular female cat had moved into another colony a few years ago.
I tried many times to TNR her but was unsuccessful.
I recently  met the caretaker at this colony who confirmed she is there.
She must be about 8 years of age and has given birth a few times over the years - last time was in 2007.
Every now and then an neutered male shows up in all of our colonies.
I'm wondering if her reproductive stages are finished ?
I'm hoping.........

Answer
Hi Lisa.  I wouldn't think so.  As you probably know, cats don't hit menopause like women do, and many unspayed cats will continue to have heat cycles until they die.  Heats may become less regular in seniors, and they do eventually cease altogether in some much older individuals, but this isn't the general rule.  I would suspect that if she hasn't had a litter since 2007 that either someone else TNR'd her without an ear tip, or you are doing a pretty good job keeping up with the neuters!  

Best wishes to you all!

Jessica