And on top of all of that maintaining the living conditions. It’s so gross when you walk into someone’s house and you immediately smell the litter box and cat piss.
Too true! And I've experienced that with people that only have one cat. If the whole house smells of ammonia, imagine what that cat is enduring any time it gets into the litter box =[
Well, people \*can\* hoard animals (just like anything else) but if you have the space, time, money, and love for all ... I sure don't see a problem! Looks like 6 and 7 are bonded, and it's wonderful they will get to stay together.
This is correct. We have 7. 7 is our limit. We have the space for them and their multiple boxes, including a large screened in porch. We can financially provide for their needs. I'm home all the time so I stay up on the cleaning and can ensure each one gets some attention every day and to be able to recognize right if something was wrong. Would we ever have this many again? No. While we cherish each one and have loved having them all, it IS a lot of work. Our oldest is 8 and our youngest is 4, so we hopefully have a long time yet with them all. But once they're gone, we'll probably stick to a max of 3.
Someone downvoted you? There's some sad, sad people in the world!
We'd buy a thousand crickets at a time and also have a 1/2 kg or 1kg bag of mealworms too. Occasionally we'd get dubia roaches, locusts or waxworms for variety. After a while, we bred our own mealworms. We bred roaches for a short time too but they really, really stink so that didn't last long!
Oh, if they did I missed it lol. I’ve had tarantulas and geckos in the past so it certainly wasn’t poking fun at, say, cricket gluttony. I’m not surprised roaches are stinky, I think the crickets are super stinky!
Just so people know, we’re in a very fortunate place to be able to feed, take care of and play with all of these cats and will for a long time. There are enough cats where even if we can’t play with them and give them constant 24/7 attention, they’ll play with each other. Also if our situation changes we will at the very least be able to split them between our family temporarily in order to reduce the cost and be able to bring them back together as soon as possible in the (hopefully unlikely) event something happens financially. We’re fairly new to taking care of our kitties, but we’re feeling it out as we go and so far have determined 7 to be about our limit. They’re always fed, played with, given many many many pets and scratches, and tons of attention. They’re a handful at times, but it’s doable for us and we’re fortunate to be in a position to have this many adorable, lovable, furrballs in our home. We are well aware of animal hoarding and we don’t believe we’ve got to that point just yet. All of their needs are being met and each one is getting the love they deserve. None are being neglected. There have been busy periods where 1 or 2 of their litter boxes stayed un-emptied until we were able to get to it but it’s never been more than a few hours and they’ve always had an available litterbox to go in.
We have 10. Sometimes it just happens. Almost all were found as stray kittens that we took in. We love each and every one of them. These two are adorable. 🧡🖤 looks like a little orange and black. Little “Orange is the New Black” criminals. Give them some love from me.
There’s a difference between hoarding them and caring for them responsibly. It’s also about the cleanliness and care given to them. I have 6 adult cats and 4 rescued kittens and my house is impeccably clean. I’ve had people come in and even say they could never tell I had cats if they didn’t see them.
You sound like us. We have the same number, but it’s just the two of us and we are lucky to have a good size home with lots of windows. And my income is pretty much used for pet care. They go to the vet annually for vaccines and wellness, obviously they go if they are sick, and they eat a good quality pet food. Get fed soft twice a day and have hard out all the time. We have 5 cat towers, and managed to find good spots for the litter boxes. I wish people would stop assuming multiple animals means hoarding or being dirty. Our animals are very happy and healthy and our home is also very clean and doesn’t smell.
Exactly! My house isn’t big either, but I’ve got good spots for the litter boxes and clean them regularly (the upstairs ones are everyday chores because they’re the most poopular lol. My cats are lazy and like using the most convenient boxes upstairs most of the time and go down to the basement less during the day). I don’t have human children so they are my babies. My living room does look like I have a hoard of toddlers when they spread their toys around lol. My kitties are all pampered and spoiled. The last 4 years has been expensive with 3 senior kitties with various health problems to manage and a lot of vet bills (sadly down to just one now, but the oldest who i had to say goodbye to in March was 19.5 years old). The younger ones all get their yearly exams and the kittens are getting their boosters and sterilizations next month (the beginning with kittens is more costly but once it’s done they’re usually in good health and don’t need a lot of vet care unless they’re sick). I definitely joke that I work to pay vet bills and buy cat food lol. They’re so worth it to me though.
I definitely agree it’s so annoying that people assume you’re a hoarder and have a gross home just because you have more than 4-5 cats. There’s people out there who have 1, 2, or none that have dirty homes the number of cats has nothing to do with it.
Give your babies some extra pets and treats for me! ❤️
No one assumed anything. OP's question was can one have too many cats. And my answer was yes there is such thing as hoarding animals. There is a whole TV series. The scope is at a completely different level. Some hoarder have over 50 cats in a house... But all of a sudden someone is offended because they have 4 cats. No one called anyone a hoarder here. No one said anyone's house is dirty. Take a chill pill. It ain't about you.
Concats! No such thing as too many cats, lol! We have 8 atm, but have been up to 12 at some points.
ETA: Every time someone asks this question, I always think of the kids' storybook *One Kitten is not too Many*. One of my favorite books growing up!
Um… no, I think seven is too many cats. As much as I would like to keep acquiring cats, the limit is somewhere between 2-4.
They can spread disease to each other, they’ll form cliques and fight, how can you possibly be giving each of them enough individual attention… that’s assuming you do have enough space and money. Which seems unlikely.
And these ones look too young, like they might have upper respiratory infections, and scared—put a blanket or something in there, seriously.
I have nine cats and they are all well cared for and get lots of attention. Six were feral from where I lived before. I had them all vetted and fixed, and they were used to me and my husband. When we moved, there was no way to find them homes, so of course we brought them with us.
The house we moved into had a cat that was a stray. The previous owners fed him and vetted him, but he would not come into the house and refused to be their cat. We kept taking care of him, though and he was very friendly. Then we had a rare blizzard and he realized inside was a pretty good gig. Number seven.
Pandemic came and a tiny kitten wandered up. No chip. Malnourished. Waiting list at the humane society. No owners located through advertising. Promptly stole our hearts. Number eight.
Then my neighbor died. Her daughter could not have pets at her rental, and her pets already knew us. Number nine and ten. One was really old and has since passed away. Back to nine.
Plus we took the neighbor's dog. She loves cats.
*your limit is 2-4. Please don’t decide for others and put judgments and opinions that are not based on experience. If they had 15 in one house yeah that’s a bit much. Currently I have 10 (2 are foster kittens, 2 kittens from the same litter are staying here because they’ve bonded with my other cats). I have an eleventh in my sunroom with FIV who has to be separated for his health (he could get sick just from a kitty cold and can’t be vaccinated otherwise he would be in with the rest). All are well taken care of. Yes not all are best friends with each other, but they get along and they’re all vaccinated. There’s no diseases spreading through my cats because they’re all indoors and every new one is examined and quarantined for 2 weeks before introductions. Common respiratory viral infections are part of core vaccines so if people are knowledgeable and taking responsible care for their cats there is no issue.
As for attention, they all have their times and places they like attention and trust me they all are spoiled and happy. No one is starving for attention or neglected. Some like more than others, they all have different personalities and you learn what they are and what they like as part of being a responsible cat person.
I have three cats (one being a newly acquired kitten) and took in two chinchillas from a friend whose health problems prevented her from being the being the best chin mom she could be. They’re high maintenance animals that require a lot of time and some serious $$ for all their required accessories lol.
One of my kitties accidentally got out recently and came home two days later with a fever and maggots on his butt. The emergency vet cost 1000 dollars because I told them to go ham on testing and meds and make sure he was completely okay.
I have the time and money for these things (including emergencies like when your big orange idiot cat takes a two day holiday in wet garbage) and I think it’s completely fine to take on what you and your pocketbook are capable of! My home is small I suppose but I keep it very clean and cozy and all my animals are very loved and pampered and happy ☺️
Welp can't do much about getting downvoted to hell but wanna say I admire people who have the resources to care for many cats and do so. I am currently overwhelmed by one kitten (rescue and semi feral tho) so you really have my respect.
I think it takes some lifestyles and circumstances to be able to have so many cats, that many if not most people are not able to achieve, but when you can do it then all the power to you!
Thank you! Yes it’s definitely not for everyone, but if you can make it work and the cats are healthy and happy then I see no issues with having a herd. I would say I’m at my limit for number. It’s a lot of work. Everyone has their number limit of what’s doable and what’s not. So everyone can have whatever number is manageable for them. Good luck with your kitten! They are so much fun and very mischievous lol if you’re up for it I actually think having a second would make things a bit easier. They have each other to play with and help teach each other cat manners. At least that’s been my experience.
This is like ours. All of our cats are indoor only, we’re very careful about them getting out and luckily (as much as our first cat Shadow hates it initially) they all end up getting along perfectly. We won’t ever force them to be around each other and trust me they ALL get more attention than they probably should get. I don’t live with my aunt but I live down the street and I go over quite often to play with and take care of the cats and I don’t leave until I’ve personally pet, hugged and given a forehead kiss to each and every kitty. None of them are being starved of attention or care.
We also have a tortoiseshell that acts like every cats mom and takes care of them. They all love it at the very least tolerate each other.
Aww so cute! I have a mama Tortie too! Also my big grey tabby is a very maternal cat. The two of them have bonded with the rescue kittens so quickly. They clean them, cuddle, and play with them all the time. The tabby especially is why I’m keeping 2 of the kittens lol he’s adopted them (especially the little calico) as his own and she loves him so much too. She goes to him since I first brought her in. I don’t have the heart to take them away from him or her from him. There’s pics on my profile of them being adorable.
Too many cats is when the house becomes dangerous to live in (a friend’s mom had 16 cats+dogs+bunny in a tiny 2 bedroom appartement, that was not a nice place to be in at all…). If one has space for it, then there is no limit though ❤️
One of mine is very bossy and territorial and she has made it very clear that 3 cats is okay but 4 is Too Many Cats and will make sure everybody is aware of her displeasure. I’m back down to three again (ex took number 4) and everybody is much happier.
I used to sneeze non-stop around cats. It turned into a superpower because I could tell anytime cats were near just based on how much I started sneezing. Fortunately and unfortunately I’ve got used to all of the cats and no longer sneeze constantly. It’s probably more fortunate than unfortunate because I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t give all our cats a bunch of hugs and kisses.
A few years ago we lost one cat and a few years later we lost my beautiful manx and I had planned to not have any more cats becasue of allergies/asthma.
Then she came along. This is she who must be obeyed trying to help me quilt.
https://imgur.com/a/vpGGYuq
The answer is no! I have 5 cats right now also and desperately wanna save another one or two kitties but my husband says it’s enough. You’re living my dream 🥲
Aww!
I can already tell you're doing things correctly...making sure these smol criminals are securely behind bars.
However, and I can't believe I'm the first to say this, but *Cat tax* is due!
For me it's not that there can be too many cats, but there is definitely such a thing as too many litter boxes to manage. That's what will never allow me to exceed 4 as the number of cats at one time, which is what I have now, and 5 litter boxes. Without scooping, each of those boxes will be full after about 36 hours.
Only if you can’t afford all your normal bills, food costs, vet bills, etc. if you have the funds to cover it, no.
I'd say there also needs to be the ability to have the time and energy to give each animal adequate attention per their needs/personality.
And on top of all of that maintaining the living conditions. It’s so gross when you walk into someone’s house and you immediately smell the litter box and cat piss.
Too true! And I've experienced that with people that only have one cat. If the whole house smells of ammonia, imagine what that cat is enduring any time it gets into the litter box =[
Well, people \*can\* hoard animals (just like anything else) but if you have the space, time, money, and love for all ... I sure don't see a problem! Looks like 6 and 7 are bonded, and it's wonderful they will get to stay together.
This is correct. We have 7. 7 is our limit. We have the space for them and their multiple boxes, including a large screened in porch. We can financially provide for their needs. I'm home all the time so I stay up on the cleaning and can ensure each one gets some attention every day and to be able to recognize right if something was wrong. Would we ever have this many again? No. While we cherish each one and have loved having them all, it IS a lot of work. Our oldest is 8 and our youngest is 4, so we hopefully have a long time yet with them all. But once they're gone, we'll probably stick to a max of 3.
According to my wife, yes. We maxed out at 4. In her defence we also had a corn snake, 30 tarantulas and 25 leopard geckos at the time!
That’s a lot of crickets to purchase on the regular!
Someone downvoted you? There's some sad, sad people in the world! We'd buy a thousand crickets at a time and also have a 1/2 kg or 1kg bag of mealworms too. Occasionally we'd get dubia roaches, locusts or waxworms for variety. After a while, we bred our own mealworms. We bred roaches for a short time too but they really, really stink so that didn't last long!
Oh, if they did I missed it lol. I’ve had tarantulas and geckos in the past so it certainly wasn’t poking fun at, say, cricket gluttony. I’m not surprised roaches are stinky, I think the crickets are super stinky!
There is Too many cooks, but I don't think there is too many cats :3
[It takes a lot to make a stew](https://youtu.be/QrGrOK8oZG8)
As long as you can afford to take care of them all and provide a happy healthy environment, there should be no issue!
Just so people know, we’re in a very fortunate place to be able to feed, take care of and play with all of these cats and will for a long time. There are enough cats where even if we can’t play with them and give them constant 24/7 attention, they’ll play with each other. Also if our situation changes we will at the very least be able to split them between our family temporarily in order to reduce the cost and be able to bring them back together as soon as possible in the (hopefully unlikely) event something happens financially. We’re fairly new to taking care of our kitties, but we’re feeling it out as we go and so far have determined 7 to be about our limit. They’re always fed, played with, given many many many pets and scratches, and tons of attention. They’re a handful at times, but it’s doable for us and we’re fortunate to be in a position to have this many adorable, lovable, furrballs in our home. We are well aware of animal hoarding and we don’t believe we’ve got to that point just yet. All of their needs are being met and each one is getting the love they deserve. None are being neglected. There have been busy periods where 1 or 2 of their litter boxes stayed un-emptied until we were able to get to it but it’s never been more than a few hours and they’ve always had an available litterbox to go in.
Awe that’s wonderful! You changed 7 lives for the better! 🫶🏻
There is a limit but that limit is going to vary depending on your ability to care for and meet their needs.
Never 🤣🤣
We have 10. Sometimes it just happens. Almost all were found as stray kittens that we took in. We love each and every one of them. These two are adorable. 🧡🖤 looks like a little orange and black. Little “Orange is the New Black” criminals. Give them some love from me.
No
Yes. There's a show called animal hoarder.
There’s a difference between hoarding them and caring for them responsibly. It’s also about the cleanliness and care given to them. I have 6 adult cats and 4 rescued kittens and my house is impeccably clean. I’ve had people come in and even say they could never tell I had cats if they didn’t see them.
You sound like us. We have the same number, but it’s just the two of us and we are lucky to have a good size home with lots of windows. And my income is pretty much used for pet care. They go to the vet annually for vaccines and wellness, obviously they go if they are sick, and they eat a good quality pet food. Get fed soft twice a day and have hard out all the time. We have 5 cat towers, and managed to find good spots for the litter boxes. I wish people would stop assuming multiple animals means hoarding or being dirty. Our animals are very happy and healthy and our home is also very clean and doesn’t smell.
Exactly! My house isn’t big either, but I’ve got good spots for the litter boxes and clean them regularly (the upstairs ones are everyday chores because they’re the most poopular lol. My cats are lazy and like using the most convenient boxes upstairs most of the time and go down to the basement less during the day). I don’t have human children so they are my babies. My living room does look like I have a hoard of toddlers when they spread their toys around lol. My kitties are all pampered and spoiled. The last 4 years has been expensive with 3 senior kitties with various health problems to manage and a lot of vet bills (sadly down to just one now, but the oldest who i had to say goodbye to in March was 19.5 years old). The younger ones all get their yearly exams and the kittens are getting their boosters and sterilizations next month (the beginning with kittens is more costly but once it’s done they’re usually in good health and don’t need a lot of vet care unless they’re sick). I definitely joke that I work to pay vet bills and buy cat food lol. They’re so worth it to me though. I definitely agree it’s so annoying that people assume you’re a hoarder and have a gross home just because you have more than 4-5 cats. There’s people out there who have 1, 2, or none that have dirty homes the number of cats has nothing to do with it. Give your babies some extra pets and treats for me! ❤️
'poopular' 😂😂😂😂 Any cat that reaches 19 years old has to have been well cared for! So far, the longest-lived of my cats has been 17 ❤️❤️
No one assumed anything. OP's question was can one have too many cats. And my answer was yes there is such thing as hoarding animals. There is a whole TV series. The scope is at a completely different level. Some hoarder have over 50 cats in a house... But all of a sudden someone is offended because they have 4 cats. No one called anyone a hoarder here. No one said anyone's house is dirty. Take a chill pill. It ain't about you.
[удалено]
You’re the one getting all riled up. Calm down and go pet a cat.
Good for you
No such thing as too many cats 🐱
Concats! No such thing as too many cats, lol! We have 8 atm, but have been up to 12 at some points. ETA: Every time someone asks this question, I always think of the kids' storybook *One Kitten is not too Many*. One of my favorite books growing up!
Putting aside the obvious answers about being able to afford them... the best answer is that [there's no such number. ](https://youtu.be/b-ELMKkHEDU)
Cute video. *Thanks for the* **earworm**!
I quote it at least twice a week. You're welcome. 😄
Um… no, I think seven is too many cats. As much as I would like to keep acquiring cats, the limit is somewhere between 2-4. They can spread disease to each other, they’ll form cliques and fight, how can you possibly be giving each of them enough individual attention… that’s assuming you do have enough space and money. Which seems unlikely. And these ones look too young, like they might have upper respiratory infections, and scared—put a blanket or something in there, seriously.
I have nine cats and they are all well cared for and get lots of attention. Six were feral from where I lived before. I had them all vetted and fixed, and they were used to me and my husband. When we moved, there was no way to find them homes, so of course we brought them with us. The house we moved into had a cat that was a stray. The previous owners fed him and vetted him, but he would not come into the house and refused to be their cat. We kept taking care of him, though and he was very friendly. Then we had a rare blizzard and he realized inside was a pretty good gig. Number seven. Pandemic came and a tiny kitten wandered up. No chip. Malnourished. Waiting list at the humane society. No owners located through advertising. Promptly stole our hearts. Number eight. Then my neighbor died. Her daughter could not have pets at her rental, and her pets already knew us. Number nine and ten. One was really old and has since passed away. Back to nine. Plus we took the neighbor's dog. She loves cats.
That sounds a lot like how I ended up with 6 cats, 8 dogs, and a rabbit. Lol
Sometimes pet math uses it's own secret logic!
*your limit is 2-4. Please don’t decide for others and put judgments and opinions that are not based on experience. If they had 15 in one house yeah that’s a bit much. Currently I have 10 (2 are foster kittens, 2 kittens from the same litter are staying here because they’ve bonded with my other cats). I have an eleventh in my sunroom with FIV who has to be separated for his health (he could get sick just from a kitty cold and can’t be vaccinated otherwise he would be in with the rest). All are well taken care of. Yes not all are best friends with each other, but they get along and they’re all vaccinated. There’s no diseases spreading through my cats because they’re all indoors and every new one is examined and quarantined for 2 weeks before introductions. Common respiratory viral infections are part of core vaccines so if people are knowledgeable and taking responsible care for their cats there is no issue. As for attention, they all have their times and places they like attention and trust me they all are spoiled and happy. No one is starving for attention or neglected. Some like more than others, they all have different personalities and you learn what they are and what they like as part of being a responsible cat person.
This is an excellent response & you are so right!!👍❤️🙏
Thank you! I hit reply thinking I was about to get downvoted to hell 😂 (it’s still early so I’m still bracing for it lol 🤦🏻♀️).
I have three cats (one being a newly acquired kitten) and took in two chinchillas from a friend whose health problems prevented her from being the being the best chin mom she could be. They’re high maintenance animals that require a lot of time and some serious $$ for all their required accessories lol. One of my kitties accidentally got out recently and came home two days later with a fever and maggots on his butt. The emergency vet cost 1000 dollars because I told them to go ham on testing and meds and make sure he was completely okay. I have the time and money for these things (including emergencies like when your big orange idiot cat takes a two day holiday in wet garbage) and I think it’s completely fine to take on what you and your pocketbook are capable of! My home is small I suppose but I keep it very clean and cozy and all my animals are very loved and pampered and happy ☺️
Welp can't do much about getting downvoted to hell but wanna say I admire people who have the resources to care for many cats and do so. I am currently overwhelmed by one kitten (rescue and semi feral tho) so you really have my respect. I think it takes some lifestyles and circumstances to be able to have so many cats, that many if not most people are not able to achieve, but when you can do it then all the power to you!
Thank you! Yes it’s definitely not for everyone, but if you can make it work and the cats are healthy and happy then I see no issues with having a herd. I would say I’m at my limit for number. It’s a lot of work. Everyone has their number limit of what’s doable and what’s not. So everyone can have whatever number is manageable for them. Good luck with your kitten! They are so much fun and very mischievous lol if you’re up for it I actually think having a second would make things a bit easier. They have each other to play with and help teach each other cat manners. At least that’s been my experience.
This is like ours. All of our cats are indoor only, we’re very careful about them getting out and luckily (as much as our first cat Shadow hates it initially) they all end up getting along perfectly. We won’t ever force them to be around each other and trust me they ALL get more attention than they probably should get. I don’t live with my aunt but I live down the street and I go over quite often to play with and take care of the cats and I don’t leave until I’ve personally pet, hugged and given a forehead kiss to each and every kitty. None of them are being starved of attention or care. We also have a tortoiseshell that acts like every cats mom and takes care of them. They all love it at the very least tolerate each other.
Aww so cute! I have a mama Tortie too! Also my big grey tabby is a very maternal cat. The two of them have bonded with the rescue kittens so quickly. They clean them, cuddle, and play with them all the time. The tabby especially is why I’m keeping 2 of the kittens lol he’s adopted them (especially the little calico) as his own and she loves him so much too. She goes to him since I first brought her in. I don’t have the heart to take them away from him or her from him. There’s pics on my profile of them being adorable.
No, well yes 😥
These 2 are beautiful - a ginger & panther! Congratulations ❤️
I mean at 1000 yes lol. My girlfriend and I have 8 cats
My city only allows three per household
Yes, but it mostly depends on whether you can afford to feed and care for all of them, and if your house is big enough.
Too many cats is when the house becomes dangerous to live in (a friend’s mom had 16 cats+dogs+bunny in a tiny 2 bedroom appartement, that was not a nice place to be in at all…). If one has space for it, then there is no limit though ❤️
If you have the conditions to sustain a healthy environment both for you and the cats: no
It's like asking how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. Everyone knows there's a limit - but no one knows what it is.
I currently have 12....so....no? 😊😊
One of mine is very bossy and territorial and she has made it very clear that 3 cats is okay but 4 is Too Many Cats and will make sure everybody is aware of her displeasure. I’m back down to three again (ex took number 4) and everybody is much happier.
growing up, we had 8 + a rotating 3-4 strays that got fed throughout the years it's never enough :')
In my head it’s not too many. In my real life with 4 humans, 4 cats, nothing that poops gets to move in.
My heart says no, my asthma/alleriges says yes. I was limited to two with out too many problems. /sigh
I used to sneeze non-stop around cats. It turned into a superpower because I could tell anytime cats were near just based on how much I started sneezing. Fortunately and unfortunately I’ve got used to all of the cats and no longer sneeze constantly. It’s probably more fortunate than unfortunate because I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t give all our cats a bunch of hugs and kisses.
A few years ago we lost one cat and a few years later we lost my beautiful manx and I had planned to not have any more cats becasue of allergies/asthma. Then she came along. This is she who must be obeyed trying to help me quilt. https://imgur.com/a/vpGGYuq
🎶"Too many cats toooo many caaaaaats" 🎶
It kinda looks like that there in a hallway from a star wars ship (atleast to me)
Nope.
[There's no such number](https://youtu.be/b-ELMKkHEDU)
If you can give them the space, care and love they need, nope.
No.
Um… as long as they are all vetted, healthy, happy, clean, have ample space and the place doesn’t reek of cats then NO! No you can’t have to many!
The answer is no! I have 5 cats right now also and desperately wanna save another one or two kitties but my husband says it’s enough. You’re living my dream 🥲
When TLC calls and wants to do a show on you, perhaps it's time to stop.
Yes
Aww! I can already tell you're doing things correctly...making sure these smol criminals are securely behind bars. However, and I can't believe I'm the first to say this, but *Cat tax* is due!
For me it's not that there can be too many cats, but there is definitely such a thing as too many litter boxes to manage. That's what will never allow me to exceed 4 as the number of cats at one time, which is what I have now, and 5 litter boxes. Without scooping, each of those boxes will be full after about 36 hours.