How many cats is too many ?

[Buttons232]

There hasn’t been a time in my life when I’ve been without a cat. I grew up on a farm and spent my childhood taming wild kittens. At the moment I have three, a surprisingly spritely, 13 year old male and two year old brothers. They all get on. They’re insured, well cared for and well looked after. I had no desire for anymore. I’ve always felt that three is the tipping point between acceptable pet ownership and crazy cat lady!

Then a week ago I found a filthy, starving, abandoned and dying kitten! I didn’t expect him to make it through the night but I’ve bottle fed him back to life. He is now in the process of being weened and doing really well. I suspect he’s about 5 weeks old. Trouble is I am now a mother figure to him, he follows me, cries for me and climbs up me to sleep in my hair!

I wouldn’t have chosen this many but I’m not sure I can give him up now. Should I keep him ? Is 4 too many ?

3 is the minimum
There is no maximum

He's chosen you! I couldn't give him up ... we have 3, and a dog, I'd love another dog and another cat ... we've never had an orange one !! DH says no ... but I'm working on him lol 😂 - below are my rescue boys - the grey one is my little ex-feral saviour, we adore each other! I think your new kitten will be your little soul mate too 💕

I read recently that cats domesticated themselves for their own benefit. So of course you must keep any cat that has adopted you!

I'd get another if my cat wasn't so hateful about the existence of other cats.

She's fat enough to be two cats as it is, luckily! Btw not my doing - she's a rescue. Plus she'd need a tummy tuck to ever be slim again despite me keeping her on a sensible diet. You should see her jiggle when she runs! So adorable. Her nickname is Mum Tum.

Yeah, I actually don’t think I have a say in this 😂

This is the offending kitten 😍

Awwwww 💕💕💕💕

What a gorgeous little thing. He's tiny! So glad he's found you

Based just on your thread title my first reaction was 3 but this isn't really a question now. That little guy is so cute! He's decided for you!

OP you couldn't possibly say no to that little mite!

I've got two and would love a third but have so far resisted

Gorgeous little thing!!
I had two and was happy but, like you, stumbled on an abandoned kitty aged around 4 weeks. Intended keeping her until twelve weeks before finding a home for her, but of course I couldn't! She's now nine years old and my gorgeous little girl. Keeps the boys in check!
Three house cats is a lot but I would have a other if DP agreed....

I think 4 for most pets (and children too, come to think of it) is a lot but not crazy. 5 is crazy. For dogs I'd say max 2 if medium or small. I say this as I get nervous when I see people walk more than 1 big dog or more than 2 small/medium dogs as I doubt the owner would be strong enough to control the dogs if they flipped.

Hope the kitten gets well soon!

I was going to say there is no limit and there is 19 here so I clearly have crossed into crazy cat lady.

I justify it by saying that only 5 (ha) are actual chosen pets. The remaining offenders are technically stray / feral and you can't tell there is that many because you often don't see more than 3/4 at any one time.

However unfortunately last weekend EVERY cat was inside for their tea and I realised that actually the limit might have been crossed ....!

However that kitten is adorable and clearly the answer for you is 4!!

If you can afford them and have adequate space then no number is to many. I also grew up on a farm at one point there were 22 cats. Where we lived people had a habit of dumping older cats and wounded ones. So they got neutered flead etc and lived there days happily. I now live in a town and have 2 and these ones I got to pick myself lol and adore them

Oh my goodness 💖
How beautiful! But well done you for the successful bottle rearing.
Welcome to the crazy cat owner club. No number is too high.
Your complementary hairy fleece top is available for collection.

Big fan of n+1

He is a stunner you couldn't possibly give him up , he chose you

Haha n+1 is certainly correct.

I have 5 house cats and a small house but it works!

Awww such a little cutie!! 💕

Four is definitely not too many!! We had 3 for many years until one sadly passed away. I've always liked a house full of cats. However now I can't really physically cope with more than one, even though my heart wants to have more.

OP if you can afford another mouth to feed and all that goes with it, plus you have 3 other cats who sound chilled and would be fine with a new addition, then keep him! After all, he selected you! 😸

You know the answer OP. I am sure he already has your heart.More pics needed.

Definitely is a maximum. I know someone who has 20+ indoor cats and can't stop getting more. House stinks and they all fight. That's too many!

I have three and that is definitely enough for us. But also I 100% know I would never give that kitten up if that was me! So I guess 4 is the right number 😂

Wondferful!😀. Thanks for brightening my day with this !

4 is good. And little black kittens are gorgeous (we have 2 black cats so I may be biased here)

What a sweetheart, of course you must keep him.

We have 4, which is my maximum at the moment. They are mostly indoor cats which poses specific challenges. We are planning a move to the countryside next year, bigger garden, etc. It might feel less full on when they can roam a bit more.

I have four. It's a bit manic at feeding time and applying flea treatment takes me a week as they all panic once the first one is done but apart from that it's fine.

I still dream of finding a kitten which I am forced to hand rear out of sheer kindness so I think you have a new cat!

Too many cats? What a goady thread, it should be deleted. 😉

He's gorgeous OP.

When it comes to rescue animals, my opinion is that if you can afford them and have time and love to give, it's not too many.