How to Own Many Cats Without Going Crazy

If you are a cat lover, you may have wondered how many cats you can own. Maybe you already have one or two cats, and you are thinking of adopting or fostering more. Or maybe you are a cat hoarder, and you have dozens of cats in your home. Whatever the case, owning many cats can be both a blessing and a curse. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits and challenges of owning many cats, and how to make it work for you and your feline friends.

The Cost of Cat Care

One of the most important factors to consider before owning many cats is the cost of cat care. Each cat will add to your overall pet expenses, such as food, litter, toys, grooming, and veterinary care. You should have a budget that can cover the needs of all your cats, as well as some emergency funds in case of unexpected situations.

According to the ASPCA, the average annual cost of owning a cat is $1,174 for the first year, and $809 for each subsequent year. This includes expenses such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, dental cleaning, food, litter, toys, scratching posts, carrier, collar, ID tag, etc. However, these costs may vary depending on the size, age, breed, health condition, and lifestyle of your cat.

If you own many cats, you can expect to pay more for some of these expenses than if you own just one or two cats. For example:

Food: The more cats you have, the more food you will need to buy. You should also consider the quality and type of food you feed your cats. Some cats may have special dietary needs or preferences that require different or more expensive food than others.
Litter: The more cats you have, the more litter boxes you will need to provide. You should also change the litter more frequently to keep it clean and odor-free. You should also choose a litter that is suitable for your cats' needs and preferences. Some cats may prefer clumping or non-clumping litter, scented or unscented litter, etc.
Toys: The more cats you have, the more toys you will need to buy. You should also rotate the toys regularly to keep your cats interested and stimulated. You should also choose toys that are safe and durable for your cats' play style and personality.
Grooming: The more cats you have, the more grooming you will need to do. You should brush your cats' fur regularly to prevent mats and tangles, trim their nails to prevent scratching and injury, clean their ears and eyes to prevent infections, etc. You should also choose grooming tools that are suitable for your cats' fur type and length.
Veterinary care: The more cats you have, the more veterinary visits you will need to make. You should take your cats to the vet at least once a year for routine check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, etc. You should also take your cats to the vet whenever they show signs of illness or injury. You should also spay/neuter your cats to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce the risk of certain diseases.

As you can see, owning many cats can be quite expensive. However, there are some ways to reduce the cost of cat care without compromising their quality of life. For example:

Buy in bulk: You can save money by buying food, litter, toys, etc. in bulk from online or wholesale stores. You can also look for discounts or coupons that offer savings on pet products.
Make your own: You can save money by making your own food, litter, toys, etc. from natural or recycled materials. For example, you can make homemade cat food from meat, vegetables, and grains, homemade litter from shredded newspaper, sawdust, or baking soda, homemade toys from cardboard, cotton, or feathers, etc.
Adopt or foster: You can save money by adopting or fostering cats from shelters or rescue groups instead of buying them from breeders or pet stores. You can also help save the lives of homeless cats and reduce the overpopulation problem. Some shelters or rescue groups may also cover some of the expenses of cat care, such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, etc.

Owning many cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. Before you decide to adopt or foster more cats, you should consider the cost of cat care and whether you can afford it. You should also look for ways to reduce the cost of cat care without compromising their health, happiness, or your sanity.

The Space and Environment

Another factor to consider before owning many cats is the space and environment. Each cat will need enough space to roam, play, rest, and hide. You should provide multiple litter boxes, scratching posts, beds, and water bowls throughout your home. You should also make sure that your home is cat-proofed and safe from potential hazards.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, the ideal space for a cat is at least 18 square feet per cat. This means that if you have four cats, you will need at least 72 square feet of space for them. However, this is just a general guideline, and you may need more or less space depending on the size, age, breed, activity level, and personality of your cats.

If you own many cats, you can expect to face some challenges regarding the space and environment of your home. For example:

Litter box issues: The more cats you have, the more litter boxes you will need to provide. The general rule is to have one litter box per cat, plus one extra. You should also place the litter boxes in different locations, away from food and water bowls, and in areas that are quiet and accessible. You should also clean the litter boxes daily to prevent odor and disease. If you fail to provide enough or clean litter boxes, your cats may develop behavioral problems such as spraying, marking, or avoiding the litter box altogether.
Scratching issues: The more cats you have, the more scratching posts you will need to provide. Scratching is a natural and healthy behavior for cats, as it helps them sharpen their claws, stretch their muscles, mark their territory, and relieve stress. You should provide a variety of scratching posts that are sturdy, tall, and covered with different materials such as sisal, carpet, or wood. You should also place the scratching posts in strategic locations where your cats like to scratch, such as near windows, doors, or furniture. If you fail to provide enough or suitable scratching posts, your cats may damage your furniture, walls, or carpets.
Sleeping issues: The more cats you have, the more beds you will need to provide. Cats sleep for an average of 15 hours a day, and they like to have multiple options for where to nap. You should provide comfortable and cozy beds that are large enough for your cats to curl up in. You should also place the beds in different locations that are warm, quiet, and secure. You should also respect your cats' preferences and needs when it comes to sleeping arrangements. Some cats may like to sleep alone or with their favorite human or feline companion, while others may like to sleep in groups or in different spots every day.
Hiding issues: The more cats you have, the more hiding places you will need to provide. Cats like to have places where they can retreat and feel safe when they are stressed, scared, or want some privacy. You should provide various hiding places that are dark, enclosed, and elevated. You can use cardboard boxes, cat tunnels, cat trees, or shelves to create hiding places for your cats. You should also avoid disturbing your cats when they are hiding, unless there is an emergency.

As you can see, owning many cats can be quite challenging when it comes to the space and environment of your home. However, there are some ways to improve the space and environment for your cats without compromising their comfort or your sanity. For example:

Expand your space: You can increase the space available for your cats by adding vertical levels, such as shelves, cat trees, or window perches. You can also create outdoor enclosures, such as catios, fences, or nets, that allow your cats to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine without risking their safety or escaping.
Enrich your environment: You can make your home more stimulating and fun for your cats by adding toys, puzzles, catnip, or interactive devices that encourage them to play, hunt, and explore. You can also provide visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile stimuli that appeal to your cats' senses, such as bird feeders, fish tanks, music, or aromatherapy.
Clean your home: You can keep your home clean and odor-free by vacuuming, dusting, and disinfecting regularly. You can also use air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or fans to improve the air quality and circulation in your home. You can also use natural or pet-friendly products to clean your home and avoid harsh chemicals that may harm your cats or the environment.

Owning many cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. Before you decide to adopt or foster more cats, you should consider the space and environment of your home and whether you can provide it. You should also look for ways to improve the space and environment for your cats without compromising their comfort or your sanity.

The Personality and Compatibility of Your Cats

Another factor to consider before owning many cats is the personality and compatibility of your cats. Not all cats get along well with each other, and some may prefer to be the only cat in the house. You should introduce new cats to your existing ones gradually and carefully, and monitor their interactions for signs of stress or aggression. You should also respect each cat's individual preferences and needs, and avoid forcing them to share resources or attention.

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats are social animals that can form complex and dynamic relationships with other cats. However, they are also territorial and may not accept newcomers easily. The success of introducing new cats to your household depends on several factors, such as the age, sex, breed, temperament, health status, and history of your cats.

If you own many cats, you can expect to face some challenges regarding the personality and compatibility of your cats. For example:

Aggression issues: The more cats you have, the more likely you will encounter aggression issues among them. Aggression can be caused by various reasons, such as fear, stress, pain, illness, competition, or territoriality. You should be able to recognize the signs of aggression, such as hissing, growling, swatting, biting, chasing, or fighting. You should also know how to prevent or manage aggression issues, such as separating the cats, providing enough resources, using pheromones or medications, or consulting a behaviorist.
Stress issues: The more cats you have, the more likely you will encounter stress issues among them. Stress can be caused by various factors, such as overcrowding, noise, boredom, lack of control, or changes in routine. You should be able to recognize the signs of stress, such as hiding, grooming excessively, losing appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or urinating outside the litter box. You should also know how to prevent or reduce stress issues, such as providing enough space, enrichment, and stimulation, maintaining a consistent schedule, or using calming products or therapies.
Bonding issues: The more cats you have, the more likely you will encounter bonding issues among them. Bonding can be influenced by various factors, such as genetics, early socialization, personality, or experience. You should be able to recognize the signs of bonding, such as grooming, snuggling, playing, or sleeping together. You should also know how to encourage or facilitate bonding among your cats, such as introducing them slowly and positively, providing mutual rewards or activities, or using scent swapping or mingling techniques.

As you can see, owning many cats can be quite challenging when it comes to the personality and compatibility of your cats. However, there are some ways to improve the personality and compatibility of your cats without compromising their well-being or your peace of mind. For example:

Choose compatible cats: You can increase the chances of having compatible cats by choosing them carefully based on their age, sex, breed, temperament, health status, and history. You can also consult a shelter staff or a veterinarian for advice on which cats may get along well with each other.
Introduce new cats properly: You can reduce the risk of aggression or stress issues by introducing new cats to your existing ones properly. You should follow a gradual and careful process that involves isolating the new cat in a separate room, exchanging scents and sounds between the cats, allowing supervised visual contact between the cats, and finally allowing supervised physical contact between the cats. You should also use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment during the introduction process.
Respect individual needs: You can enhance the bonding and harmony among your cats by respecting their individual needs and preferences. You should provide enough resources for each cat, such as food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, beds, and toys. You should also allow each cat to have some privacy and personal space when they want it. You should also avoid forcing your cats to interact or share resources if they don't want to.

Owning many cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. Before you decide to adopt or foster more cats, you should consider the personality and compatibility of your cats and whether you can provide it. You should also look for ways to improve the personality and compatibility of your cats without compromising their well-being or your peace of mind.

The Legal Regulations

Another factor to consider before owning many cats is the legal regulations. Depending on where you live, there may be laws or ordinances that limit the number of cats you can own in a single household. You should check with your local authorities before you adopt or foster more cats, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. You should also update your cats' microchip information and identification tags with your current address and contact details.

According to the Animal Legal and Historical Center, different states and cities have different laws or regulations regarding the ownership of cats. Some of these laws or regulations may include:

Limit laws: Some states or cities may impose a limit on the number of cats you can own in a single household. For example, in New York City, you can only own up to four cats per household, unless you have a special permit from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In Los Angeles, you can only own up to three cats per household, unless you have a special permit from the Department of Animal Services.
Licensing laws: Some states or cities may require you to obtain a license for each cat you own. For example, in Seattle, you must obtain a pet license for each cat you own, and renew it annually. The license fee is $30 for spayed/neutered cats, and $60 for unaltered cats. In Denver, you must obtain a pet license for each cat you own, and renew it every one to three years. The license fee is $15 for spayed/neutered cats, and $30 for unaltered cats.
Spay/neuter laws: Some states or cities may require you to spay or neuter your cats by a certain age or condition. For example, in California, you must spay or neuter your cats by six months of age, unless you have a breeding permit from the local animal control agency. In Houston, you must spay or neuter your cats by four months of age, unless you have a breeding permit from the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care.
Vaccination laws: Some states or cities may require you to vaccinate your cats against certain diseases by a certain age or frequency. For example, in Massachusetts, you must vaccinate your cats against rabies by six months of age, and every one to three years thereafter. In Chicago, you must vaccinate your cats against rabies by four months of age, and every one to three years thereafter.

As you can see, owning many cats can be subject to various legal regulations depending on where you live. However, there are some benefits and reasons to comply with these legal regulations without compromising your rights or interests. For example:

Protect your cats: By complying with the legal regulations, you can protect your cats from diseases, injuries, or unwanted pregnancies. You can also prevent your cats from becoming lost, stolen, or euthanized by animal control agencies.
Protect yourself: By complying with the legal regulations, you can protect yourself from fines, penalties, or lawsuits. You can also avoid conflicts or complaints from your neighbors, landlords, or authorities.
Protect the community: By complying with the legal regulations, you can protect the community from public health and safety risks, such as rabies outbreaks, cat bites, or environmental damage. You can also help reduce the overpopulation and homelessness of cats in shelters or on the streets.

Owning many cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities. Before you decide to adopt or foster more cats, you should consider the legal regulations of your area and whether you can comply with them. You should also look for benefits and reasons to comply with these legal regulations without compromising your rights or interests.

The Benefits of Owning Many Cats

So far, we have discussed the challenges and responsibilities of owning many cats, such as the cost of cat care, the space and environment, the personality and compatibility, and the legal regulations. However, owning many cats also has many benefits and rewards, both for you and your cats. In this section, we will explore some of the benefits of owning many cats, and how to enjoy them.

According to the International Cat Care, cats are wonderful companions that can enrich our lives in many ways. Some of the benefits of owning many cats are:

Emotional benefits: Owning many cats can provide emotional benefits for you, such as reducing stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or boredom. Cats can also provide comfort, support, affection, and happiness. Studies have shown that interacting with cats can lower blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol levels, and increase oxytocin levels. Cats can also help you cope with difficult situations, such as grief, trauma, or illness.
Social benefits: Owning many cats can provide social benefits for you, such as improving your communication, empathy, responsibility, or self-esteem. Cats can also help you connect with other people who share your love for cats, such as friends, family, neighbors, or online communities. Cats can also help you break the ice, start a conversation, or make a good impression with strangers or potential partners.
Physical benefits: Owning many cats can provide physical benefits for you, such as improving your fitness, immunity, or sleep quality. Cats can also help you prevent or manage some health conditions, such as allergies, asthma, obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that owning cats can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or mortality. Cats can also help you recover faster from injuries or surgeries.
Mental benefits: Owning many cats can provide mental benefits for you, such as stimulating your creativity, curiosity, or intelligence. Cats can also help you learn new skills, such as grooming, training, or photography. Cats can also help you challenge yourself, such as solving puzzles, playing games, or writing blogs.

As you can see, owning many cats can provide many benefits for you that can improve your quality of life and well-being. However, there are some ways to maximize the benefits of owning many cats without compromising their needs or interests. For example:

Appreciate each cat: You can enhance the emotional benefits of owning many cats by appreciating each cat's unique personality, appearance, and behavior. You should also express your love and gratitude to each cat regularly by petting, cuddling, or talking to them. You should also celebrate each cat's birthday, adoption day, or special achievements.
Involve other people: You can enhance the social benefits of owning many cats by involving other people who care about your cats, such as friends, family, neighbors, or online communities. You should also share your stories, photos, or videos of your cats with them. You should also seek their advice, support, or feedback when you need it.
Engage in activities: You can enhance the physical and mental benefits of owning many cats by engaging in activities that involve your cats, such as playing, exercising, or learning. You should also provide a variety of toys, puzzles, catnip, or interactive devices that encourage your cats to play, hunt, and explore. You should also join clubs, groups, or events that cater to cat lovers and enthusiasts.

Owning many cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can enrich your life in many ways. However, it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities that require careful consideration and planning. Before you decide to adopt or foster more cats, you should consider the benefits and challenges of owning many cats and whether you can balance them. You should also look for ways to maximize the benefits and minimize the challenges of owning many cats without compromising their well-being or your peace of mind.

The Challenges of Owning Many Cats

In the previous section, we have discussed the benefits and rewards of owning many cats, such as the emotional, social, physical, and mental benefits. However, owning many cats also has some challenges and drawbacks, both for you and your cats. In this section, we will explore some of the challenges of owning many cats, and how to overcome them.

According to the Cat Behavior Associates, cats are complex and sensitive creatures that require a lot of care and attention. Some of the challenges of owning many cats are:

Time commitment: Owning many cats can take a lot of your time and energy. You will need to spend time feeding, grooming, playing, training, and cleaning after your cats. You will also need to spend time taking your cats to the vet, shopping for cat supplies, or researching cat information. You may have less time for yourself, your family, your friends, or your hobbies.
Financial commitment: Owning many cats can cost a lot of money. You will need to pay for food, litter, toys, scratching posts, beds, carriers, collars, tags, licenses, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, veterinary care, etc. You may also need to pay for pet insurance, pet sitters, boarding facilities, or emergency funds. You may have less money for your savings, investments, or other expenses.
Lifestyle commitment: Owning many cats can affect your lifestyle and choices. You will need to consider your cats' needs and preferences when you travel, move, decorate, or entertain. You may also need to deal with cat allergies, odors, hair, or damage in your home or car. You may have less freedom, flexibility, or spontaneity in your life.
Emotional commitment: Owning many cats can involve a lot of emotions and feelings. You will need to cope with the joys and sorrows of having multiple furry companions in your life. You may also need to deal with jealousy, conflict, or guilt among your cats or yourself. You may have more stress, anxiety, or sadness in your life.

As you can see, owning many cats can pose some challenges for you that can affect your quality of life and well-being. However, there are some ways to cope with the challenges of owning many cats without compromising their needs or interests. For example:

Prioritize your time: You can manage your time better by prioritizing your tasks and activities that involve your cats. You should also create a routine or schedule that works for you and your cats. You should also delegate or outsource some of the tasks or activities that you can't or don't want to do yourself, such as hiring a pet sitter, a groomer, or a cleaner.
Budget your money: You can manage your money better by budgeting your expenses and income that involve your cats. You should also look for ways to save money or earn extra money that can help you cover the costs of cat care, such as buying in bulk, making your own, adopting or fostering, or selling your skills or products.
Balance your lifestyle: You can balance your lifestyle better by finding a middle ground between your needs and preferences and those of your cats. You should also look for ways to accommodate or integrate your cats into your lifestyle and choices, such as traveling with them, moving to a cat-friendly place, decorating with cat-proof materials, or entertaining with cat-loving guests.
Express your emotions: You can express your emotions better by acknowledging and accepting them as normal and natural. You should also look for ways to release or channel your emotions in a healthy and positive way, such as talking to someone, writing a journal, doing yoga, or meditating.

Owning many cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can enrich your life in many ways. However, it also comes with some challenges and responsibilities that require careful consideration and planning. Before you decide to adopt or foster more cats, you should consider the benefits and challenges of owning many cats and whether you can balance them. You should also look for ways to cope with the challenges and enjoy the benefits of owning many cats without compromising their well-being or your peace of mind.

Conclusion

The cost of cat care: You should have a budget that can cover the needs of all your cats, as well as some emergency funds in case of unexpected situations. You should also look for ways to reduce the cost of cat care without compromising their quality of life.
The space and environment: You should provide enough space for each cat to roam, play, rest, and hide. You should also provide multiple litter boxes, scratching posts, beds, and water bowls throughout your home. You should also make sure that your home is cat-proofed and safe from potential hazards. You should also look for ways to improve the space and environment for your cats without compromising their comfort or your sanity.
The personality and compatibility: You should introduce new cats to your existing ones gradually and carefully, and monitor their interactions for signs of stress or aggression. You should also respect each cat's individual preferences and needs, and avoid forcing them to share resources or attention. You should also look for ways to improve the personality and compatibility of your cats without compromising their well-being or your peace of mind.
The legal regulations: You should check with your local authorities before you adopt or foster more cats, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. You should also update your cats' microchip information and identification tags with your current address and contact details. You should also look for benefits and reasons to comply with these legal regulations without compromising your rights or interests.

If you can provide a loving and comfortable home for many cats, you will enjoy the benefits of having multiple furry companions, such as the emotional, social, physical, and mental benefits. However, if you feel overwhelmed or unable to care for all your cats properly, you may want to consider rehoming some of them to responsible and suitable owners.

We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about how to own many cats without going crazy. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. If you are interested in adopting or fostering more cats, please visit our website or contact us for more information. Thank you for reading!

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers about owning many cats:

How many cats is too many?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on various factors, such as the size of your home, the budget of your household, the personality of your cats, the legal regulations of your area, etc. However, some signs that you may have too many cats are:

You can't provide enough food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, beds, toys, etc. for each cat.
You can't keep your home clean, odor-free, or safe from cat hair, urine, feces, vomit, etc.
You can't afford the veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, etc. for each cat.
You can't spend enough time, attention, or affection for each cat.
You have conflicts or complaints from your neighbors, landlords, authorities, etc. about your cats.
You have health or mental problems caused by stress, anxiety, or depression from caring for too many cats.

How can I introduce a new cat to my existing cats?

You should follow a gradual and careful process that involves four steps:

Isolate the new cat in a separate room with its own food, water, litter box, bed, and toys. Let the new cat adjust to its new environment and smell the other cats through the door.
Exchange scents and sounds between the new cat and the existing cats by swapping their bedding, toys, or grooming tools. You can also feed them on opposite sides of the door or play sounds of each other's voices.
Allow supervised visual contact between the new cat and the existing cats by opening the door slightly or using a baby gate or a screen. You can also use treats, toys, or praise to reward positive interactions and distract from negative ones.
Allow supervised physical contact between the new cat and the existing cats by opening the door completely or removing the barrier. You can also use pheromones, medications, or behaviorists to help reduce stress or aggression.

How can I prevent or manage aggression among my cats?

You should be able to recognize the signs of aggression among your cats, such as hissing, growling, swatting, biting, chasing, or fighting. You should also know how to prevent or manage aggression among your cats, such as:

Separate the cats that are aggressive or stressed from each other until they calm down.
Provide enough resources for each cat, such as food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts, beds, and toys. You should also place them in different locations to avoid competition or conflict.
Use pheromones, medications, or behaviorists to help reduce stress or aggression among your cats. You can also consult your veterinarian for advice or treatment.