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The litter tray

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Original poster

Too many cats?

29 replies

ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 19/01/2023 16:02

I have 6. All happy, cared for, well fed, looked after, enough space for them all to have their own areas, most of the time they get on, and enough litter trays for them all. The oldest one is 16 and the youngest is 21 months. The others are 3, 4 and two 11 year olds.

I would like another cat though.

But I'm afraid that if I contacted a rescue centre they would come to do a visit and say a firm NO on the grounds of TOO MANY CATS.

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 20/01/2023 08:22

Marie2023 · 20/01/2023 06:14

Please don't get another cat. It's cruel. Cats are not pack animals and find it stressful living with lots of other cats.

This is very complex studies by the University of Lincoln have shown that this is no longer the case. Some cats happily live as colonies doing everything together and working as a group, some cats time share facilities and co exist happily, but not interacting. Only a very few cats now are 'the cat who walks alone'.

Original poster
ImJustMadAboutSaffron · 20/01/2023 08:50

YourWinter · 19/01/2023 18:50

It would be dreadfully unfair to the eldest cat to introduce another to an already large group. It may live to over 20, though most don’t. What is lacking from your relationships with the other cats that makes you think yet another one would fulfil? Can you improve your interactions with the six you already have? Do you truly think adding another will be enriching for them - all of them?

It’s not like collecting shoes or scarves in every style and colour.

My last cat who died last year would be celebrating her 21st birthday on Wednesday.

OP posts:
007DoubleOSeven · 20/01/2023 08:55

Honestly, op, I wouldn't. It's really not worth the risk of upsetting and stressing out your other cats. You have cat harmony. With 6 cats that's a fragile thing, don't push it.

Ludo19 · 20/01/2023 09:35

Hi OP, I've got 8 cats. They all get on fantastic. Plenty of stimulation, food stations, litter trays etc. I'm a vet nurse, I've lost two children so it's just me and the cats and I've no mental health issues. Only you will know if it'll work or not.

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