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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

How many is too many?

22 replies

NotmySundaybest · 02/12/2023 22:12

How many cats do you have?
We've got x3.
2 full bengals, x1 mixed Bengal.
Broody for another kitten!

OP posts:

RosesAndHellebores · 02/12/2023 22:13

It's enough

Allthecatseverywhereallatonce · 02/12/2023 22:26

I have 2 so probably agree 2 is enough. I would like more but I think I would lose DH 🤷.

Travelfan2021 · 02/12/2023 22:38

This reply has been withdrawn

Removed at poster's request due to privacy concerns.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 02/12/2023 22:46

Four is a very good number, particularly when made up of two sibling pairs.

Five would be too many - wouldn't get a look in at a seat in the living room.

WanderingWitches · 02/12/2023 22:51

We have 4 but did have 6.
4 is a good number

Beamur · 02/12/2023 22:54

It depends on the cats.
I have 4.
Cat no 1 would say 1 is the right number.
Cats 2&3 would say 2 are the right number
Cat 4 would probably say him plus cat 1

Theforeverhome · 02/12/2023 22:55

I’d say two is a good number. We did have 5 for various reasons after starting with two, now down to 4 and, whilst they rub along, there are always tensions and jealousies.

caringcarer · 02/12/2023 22:56

I have 2 and my son who just got his own home immediately got 2 rescue cats too. I think it depends on the cats and how much space you have.

stayathomer · 02/12/2023 22:57

We had 4, tbh it depends on the dynamic between the cats. 4 was too much as 1 was bullied badly and life became all about keeping them apart. I think 2 is a lovely number

Toddlerteaplease · 02/12/2023 23:15

Two is enough for as my house isn't very big. And Cheddar's personality makes up for at least two more cats.

champagneproblems13 · 02/12/2023 23:38

I have 2 and they're enough, I so desperately want a black cat but I know I can't afford another one right now.

GerbilMum26 · 03/12/2023 02:02

I think it depends on breed, temperament and whether you can financially afford more cats!
I currently have two, a Mainecoon cross & a pedigree Mainecoon. Both still kittens.
I would love a Ragdoll or a Siberian, but at the moment I don’t think I would have the space or money. Especially when you consider the cost of vet plans, pet insurance, cat food etc (my boys are raw fed & eat 12kgs of meat a month between them!)

margotrose · 03/12/2023 06:22

We have three which seems to work for us. Currently have an 8yo, a 3yo and a kitten.

HuntingoftheSnark · 03/12/2023 06:34

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 02/12/2023 22:46

Four is a very good number, particularly when made up of two sibling pairs.

Five would be too many - wouldn't get a look in at a seat in the living room.

Oh how wonderful! I only have one - have considered another but mine has been the Queen for nearly 19 years and I think the shock would kill her.

LovelaceBiggWither · 03/12/2023 06:39

Currently have 2 but we are discussing homing a friend's cat who is harassing her old cat badly.

I once had 6 cats. That was a lot!

Yahyahs22 · 03/12/2023 06:41

I have 6 and it's far too many. Not sure how I got here tbh

PuttingDownRoots · 03/12/2023 06:51

Neighbour had 12. That was too many.
When they moved they had to leave 2 as they were pretty much feral... they only appeared in her garden for food. They were looked after by the neighbourhood.
The landlord of the house had to pretty much gut it.

user1471548941 · 03/12/2023 07:20

I have 2 as DH says the rule is that the cats cannot outnumber the humans… our 2 are so crazy we already feel outnumbered!

cuckyplunt · 03/12/2023 07:28

You have to watch with cats. When DH and I moved in together he had three and I had 2, so that was 5. Once you have 5 cats ( or 6 or 7 or whatever) the universe will see any less than that as a vacancy and keep topping you up somehow.
Yes, 5 is too many but what can you do? Here is a gratuitous picture of our unexpected last rescued boy.. No.5

Fluffycloudsfloatinginthesky · 03/12/2023 07:45

I have two. We had three for a while when another one adopted us. She died so we are back to 2.

I would like a kitten but as mine are 14/15 I think they wouldn't like plus then i would have a solo in a few years but 2 kittens to make 4 feels too many (and too expensive)

WickWood · 03/12/2023 10:18

I have 4, I am kitten broody but trying to refrain from getting another!

Beamur · 03/12/2023 11:47

I think 4 is the tipping point....

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