You start by bringing a cat, then another ... and another ... And time passes, and you have ten. But, Is that the ideal number? The reality is that it depends. Yes, it depends on the character of each of them, the money you can and want to allocate to cover veterinary expenses, and also the place you have.
So let's see how many cats can you have at home.
Factors to consider when having multiple cats
It is not always easy to know how many you can have, but it is important to be realistic and not get carried away by what you want at that moment. A cat is a social being, which needs certain care to be physically and psychologically healthy. Bearing this in mind, we cannot forget that it is very territorial, and that it can feel really bad if we bring in a new furry and we put them together already the first day.
To avoid problems, we must respect each animal, both the newcomer and the one who has been with us for a long time, and try to socialize them little by littleAnd only if it went well, in the future we could consider bringing in a third party, but… would that be a good idea?
How many cats is considered ideal to have?
As we said, it depends. The truth is that there are felines who like to live alone, that is, without companions of their kind, and there are others who enjoy playing with other cats.. To avoid problems, it is advisable that if you have friends who live with a furry lover, you invite them to your house to see how they react.
From a practical point of view, many experts agree that having between one and three cats is ideal for most households. This is because it is easier to ensure that each one has enough space, resources, and time to spare. For example, make sure you have one litter box for each cat, plus an additional one, to avoid territorial conflicts.
In large spaces, such as houses with several rooms or gardens, it is more feasible to have more than three cats as long as their needs are met. However, in small apartments, the limit is usually lower to ensure their well-being.
Legal impact and local regulations
Another important aspect to take into account is the legal framework. In some countries and municipalities, the number of pets allowed per household is regulated. For example, in Spain, the entry into force of The Animal Welfare Act sets a maximum limit of five animals per household without the need to apply for special permits.If you wish to have more cats, you will need to request a municipal permit and submit a veterinary report certifying the well-being of the cats.
The law also toughens penalties for abuse and abandonment: Failure to report the loss of an animal within 48 hours may be considered abandonment and punishable by severe fines of up to 200.000 euros, depending on the severity of the case.
Criteria for evaluating whether you have too many cats
- Available space: Cats need plenty of room to move around, explore and rest. A small home may not be suitable for more than one or two cats.
- Resources: You will need to invest in multiple litter boxes, food bowls, toys, and scratching posts to avoid territorial conflicts.
- Time and attention: Every cat needs daily interaction to stay happy. Make sure you have time for everyone.
- Character of cats: Some are more sociable and enjoy the company of other felines, while others prefer to be the only cat in the home.
Benefits and challenges of having multiple cats
For many cat lovers, having several felines means multiplying moments of happiness. Cats can play with each other, which helps them stay active and reduce their risk of obesity. However, it can also increase the expense and complexity of their care.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that none of them feel StressThis can be avoided by making sure each cat has its own “territories,” such as beds, high places, and hiding places.
If you are able to manage these factors, enjoying the company of several cats can be an enriching experience not only for them, but also for your entire family.
Every cat brings its own personality and needs, making every home unique. Understanding your felines, offering them affection and respecting their space will ensure they live happily with you, no matter how many of you there are.
hello I have some doubts, I have two aunts who lived together in a small annex, with 6 cats, is it healthy for them to live with so many cats in a small space? Right now they have been living with my grandfather in his house for 3 months, which can be said that it is a big house, but they have already collected 3 more cats, they have 9 cats, is it normal that they are collecting so many cats like that? They claim that it gives them a lot feeling to see injured cats in the street and that they pick them up, and I do not question that, what's more, I have picked up injured cats and dogs, I cure them, I provide care for them for 1 or 2 weeks but then I leave them in a shelter because I know that I can't keep them in my house forever. I have read about Noe syndrome, and it says that a person is an accumulator of animals when they have animals and they cannot provide them with the necessary care, in the case of my aunts it would not be the case, but they let the cats get on the table when One is eating, they let the cats do what they want and my grandfather lives with allergies, lately he has gotten sick a lot, but they claim that it is not because of the cats. I hope you can help me know if you have a problem, if that is okay, and if there is a solution.
Hi Peter.
Well, I have five cats and when I'm home alone I let them do whatever they want. They climb on the tables, on the sofa, and sleep with me.
And if I could, I would take more.
Cats don't need as much space as dogs, as long as they get the attention they need.
In any case, when there is someone who has an allergy, it is important to take some measures, especially hygiene, to prevent the symptoms from worsening. On this article there is more information.
A greeting.