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Original poster

Is 3 cats too many cats?

50 replies

KindergartenKop · 22/08/2019 16:46

Our beloved Dcat died a few weeks ago and we were so sad. I've seen a family of 3 cats (mum + 18mth old 'kittens') and I'm very interested! Talk to me about going from 1 cat to 3. What haven't I thought about? Obviously insurance and food costs will increase, but what else?

OP posts:

CherrySocks · 22/08/2019 21:25

I think the family grouping will work well.

You will need 4 litter trays according to all expert advice.
There will be fur.
There will always be a cat asleep when you want to hoover.

They may like to sleep on your bed so you have to be able to sleep in various S shapes.

CassandraGemini · 22/08/2019 21:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Beamur · 22/08/2019 21:26

I have 2 that get on well. Have been contemplating a 3rd but don't think I will actually get another.
Do the rescue want to keep the 3 together?

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Cats

ButterfliesandMoths · 22/08/2019 21:30

We have 3. Wouldn't be without them. They're not all best buddies but they live side by side quite happily. Lots of fur but lots of love.

crimsonlake · 22/08/2019 21:31

I noticed a big difference all round when I went from 2 to 3. I have since lost 2 due to old age and eventually purchased a kitten. Having had cats for years I do not remember any being as mental as this one, rarely a minutes peace and she terrorises my other cat. Obviously she is lovely but I will be glad when she settles down more.

Megan2018 · 22/08/2019 21:34

We have 3 and it is great, but they cost a bloody fortune (1 elderly and on medication, 1 is young and always in the vets for misadventure and consequently costs a lot to insure, 1 needs uber expensive food due to intolerance). They cost about £200 a month all in. Every time I buy them flea and worm treatment it is about £120. Same with vaccinations.

We will probably stick at 2 when we sadly lose the golden oldie. I like the dynamic ours have (2 girls, 1 boy aged 18, 9 and 3).

SpaceCadet4000 · 22/08/2019 21:43

I have 2 and that's my sweet spot. I've thought about 3, but honestly, I'd worry about the dynamics. However, if somebody offered me a cat with a vaguely emotional backstory I'd have it.

DontCallMeBaby · 22/08/2019 21:48

Other than cost my main concern with three would be getting them all to the vet at the same time for check-ups and vaccinations. Two is enough of a logistical challenge. I guess with more cats than you have cat carriers and arms you maybe stagger the regular vet visits?

SpringIsSprung1 · 22/08/2019 22:41

I have 3 cats... 3 is a magic number

Justonedayatatime11 · 22/08/2019 22:56

I have 10... so 3 seems perfectly reasonable!

Costacoffeeplease · 22/08/2019 22:56

No point asking me, we currently have 16 cats 2 dogs and 2 bottle fed rescue pups

StrumpersPlunkett · 22/08/2019 23:00

We have 3 they use a cat flap, no litter tray to empty.
Holiday Cattery costs are quite pricey but this summer they have stayed home and been looked after here which has been cheaper and they are more settled.
They have v different personalities, don’t expect them to all be friends.
Aside from that, enjoy!!!!

areukiddingme · 22/08/2019 23:01

3 is too many cats get a rabbit or parrot 🦜

TrainspottingWelsh · 22/08/2019 23:06

If I’d added a parrot or a rabbit to my first two cats I’d have two cats and a carcass.

BillywilliamV · 22/08/2019 23:08

Yes, 3 is too many! I know this because we have 4 .

Stompythedinosaur · 22/08/2019 23:13

We have 3 cats, I wouldn't change it but it does sometimes feel like I can't walk anywhere in the house without nearly stepping on a cat.

I would totally go for it though.

StCharlotte · 22/08/2019 23:17

I've had three a couple of times and it's been fine. I have no cats at the moment for the first time in 30 years which is horrible (especially as rescues keep coming up on our local facebook page). We're waiting for the demise of our very elderly dog before we get any more cats

MrPipsGran · 22/08/2019 23:43

You can never have enough cats ... or chocolate cake

ilikethisusernamethemost · 22/08/2019 23:48

I grew up in a 3 cat household. When DM had to have 2 of them pts, one shortly after the other, she said she didn't want anymore. She couldn't cope with the heartbreak. That was until very shortly after losing them, 2 kittens were in desperate need of a home when their mother was killed. DM said it was fate and brought them home. They wouldn't have survived if she didn't and she can't imagine life without them now. I would love to have cats but DH brought a dog home and it won't tolerate living with cats.

3 isn't much different to 1. Go for it. They will be worth it.

DontCallMeShitley · 22/08/2019 23:49

I was also about to say you can never have enough cats. However that is fine as long as they get on.

Just think of the costs and treble it, think of the fur and treble it, then think of the fun, the cuddles, the love and treble those - and don't think about the litter tracking, furballs and if you let them out, the gifts.

DontCallMeShitley · 22/08/2019 23:51

Oh, and often catteries will charge a reduced rate for a shared 'suite' so it might not be as bad as you think.

GiantKitten · 23/08/2019 00:38

Per head is cheaper in a shared unit, but it’s still a lot. These are the fees at the lovely cattery mine used to go to (before I switched to someone feeding them, because they hated the drive there so much!)

For 10 days, taking them the day before & collecting them the day after, it cost about £250

barkingfly · 23/08/2019 05:48

no.

Original poster

KindergartenKop · 23/08/2019 11:46

We have a cat lady who used to feed Ddeadcat and I think she charges per visit, not per cat but insurance/food/vet will increase.

OP posts:

Itstheprinciple · 23/08/2019 13:29

I've now got 3 after having 4 for a long time. I miss my 4th. DH wants to wait until one pops off and then get 2 kittens together so we'll be back to 4. He drew the line at 5!

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