How many cats is too many cats?

[yiskasha]

I have 3 cats. I adopted them from a rescue centre when they were kittens, all from the same litter. They were brought in with their mum who was lovely also. They're 3 now and get on really well.
I've seen a kitten who has just been brought into a rescue centre near me and for some reason I can't get him out of my mind.
How many cats is too many cats? I could afford another one, but is it fair to my cats to bring another one into their home? I've never had to do an introduction before so I suppose that's what's making me worry most.
I have 2 boys and a girl at the moment.

Oh, gosh. I have to admit I'm in a similar situation. I have three cats and that's enough, but DD is desperate for a kitten. I just don't think I could manage another one though. Three is the max for me.

Before I read your whole post the number that popped into my head was three - anything above that Is too much. Your three get on well don’t tempt fate by adding another!
Stay away from the rescue centres - there’ll always be a kitty or two that will melt your heart!

I have 4. And we have a reasonable sized house. But mine are house cats. Vets usually advise that any more than 5 is a stressful environment potentially.

@yiskasha if your existing cats get on well then you can probably get away with one more.

I've had four cats before now, they got on ok but weren't really mad on each other, all the neighbours were pissed off and constantly moaning and when they all got old they cost me £££££ in vets fees.
I stick to one cat at a time now and the single cat seems to be so much happier.

Mine all have pet insurance!

I have 5 and they all get in amazingly well.

First one I had from a kitten, she was alone for about 7 years, then we adopted two male rescue cats aged 3 and 8, the later that year adopted brother and sister kittens.

They all get on, they group each other and the two male rescues used to hold the kittens down and wash them like they were their mums the youngest are 4 now.

My cats have their own room and own garden! They’re very lucky!

I think it depends on your cats and how tolerant they are and how much space you have.

I have six, started with one, took in a pregnant feral and kept one of the kittens and the others were stray or ferals that turned up. They all get on well apart from two females who tolerate each other, but no issues otherwise. I cant imagine havinf fewer cats now.

Depends. We have two sisters and they pretty much hate each other. They are out a lot in the day and sleep on different storeys of the house at night.
But I grew up with four cats. They got on fine.

How big is your house? If you've got a six bed country manor I think any number is fine as long as you're in single digits. If you're in a two up, two down then three is pushing it. You need a litter tray per cat plus one extra, individual food and water bowls and enough hidey holes and perches for everyone to have their own away from the others if they want to.

I stick to one cat at a time now and the single cat seems to be so much happier.

I do suspect that most cats would prefer to live in single cat households.

My original cat is a very sociable chap, but I don't think he's entirely happy with the other two. They do all snuggle up to sleep which is adorable, but I also think in the future I will stick to one at a time.

I have four which is my limit.

Mine don’t have a litter tray and all eat and drink out of one big bowl.

@Mabellavender all cats should have access to a litter tray. They should be shut in at night too so not fair to deny them access to a toilet.

Two is my maximum, but since we lost our old boy a couple of years ago our younger cat has really blossomed & come out of his shell, so I'd have to think very hard about having more than one at a time now.

I had three in my head when I read the title. I understand your dilemma though!!! It'll depend on your current three I suppose.

I've only one, would happily have more (but husband says no). I had always thought my cat disliked other cats; just been told by a neighbour he hangs out with another cat at the bottom of her garden!!

I don’t like them. And my cats seem happy enough. They can get in and out in the night and we’re rural so I’m not worried about them going out and causing trouble or being harmed by any weirdos.

mallbrlavender if that's the only option you give them then that's what they'll do but it will be causing them stress and is far from ideal. You should really sort it out if at all possible.

Thanks everyone. As sweet as the little boy is, I think I'll stick to my 3. I'm sure someone with a lovely home will snap him up in no time. I don't want to rock the boat at home 😅

No I’m happy the way it is thanks they don’t seem stressed at all to me

Sorry, Marbel, misread. Thought you said you only have one litter tray.

I’ve posted this on here before but it’s the only photo I have of all of them at the same time!

@Mabellavender my idea of heaven!

Awwwww. So cute. The black one looks just like mine.

If you are letting them out and you have neighbours - one . If you cat proof your garden / keep them in your own property have as many as you like .