How many cats is too many in a house? It’s a question that many cat-lovers face at some point. Here are some things to consider when making your decision.
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The Benefits of Having More Than One Cat
Cats are known for being low-maintenance pets, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need any attention at all. In fact, cats thrive when they have other cats to socialize with. If you’re considering adding a second (or third!) cat to your home, there are a few things you should know about the benefits of having more than one cat.
They Keep Each Other Company
Sure, having just one cat means never having to come home to an empty house again. But cats are social creatures, and they thrive when they have another feline friend to keep them company. In fact, many veterinarians will tell you that it’s best to have at least two cats in the house.
There are a number of benefits to having more than one cat, including:
They Keep Each Other Company
The most obvious benefit of having two (or more) cats is that they keep each other company. Cats are social creatures and love having another feline friend around to snuggle with, play with, and groom. This is especially beneficial if you work long hours or travel frequently.
They Keep Each Other Fit
Cats are natural predators and love to stalk and chase their prey. Having another cat in the house gives them the perfect opportunity to indulge their hunting instincts — keeping them both fit and healthy. It also helps to burn off any excess energy, which can lead to behavioral problems if left unchecked.
They Help Each Other Relax
Cats are very territorial creatures and can sometimes become anxious or stressed when their territory is invaded by strangers (i.e., humans). Having another cat around can help to reassuring them that their home is safe and secure — leading to a happier and more relaxed household all around.
They Keep Each Other Active
Cats are often considered independent creatures that don’t need much interaction, but the truth is they actually enjoy the company of their fellow felines. Having more than one cat in the house can keep them both active and entertained. They’ll chase each other, play together, and nap together. This companionship is good for their mental and physical health.
The Drawbacks of Having More Than One Cat
It’s no secret that cats can be fickle creatures. They may seem calm and content one minute, and the next they’re hissing and spitting at each other. If you have more than one cat, you’re likely to see this happen more often. Cats are territorial creatures, and when they don’t have enough space, they can start to fight with each other. This can lead to some serious problems, including injuries and even death.
More Litter Boxes Are Required
The main drawback of having more than one cat is the litter box issue. A general rule of thumb is to have one more litter box than the number of cats in the house. So, if you have three cats, you should have four litter boxes. It’s best to put them in different locations, so the cats don’t have to travel too far to find an available box.
Another issue to consider is that some cats don’t like to share litter boxes. If you have a cat that habitually urinates outside the box, it’s best to provide him with his own box and keep it in a separate location from the other cats.
Having multiple cats can also be more expensive, since you’ll need to buy more food and litter. But if you’re prepared for the extra cost and are willing to deal with more litter boxes, then having multiple cats can be a lot of fun!
More Food Is Required
More cats means you have to buy more food, and the cost of that food can add up quickly. In addition, you will need to have more litterboxes around the house, which means buying more litter. Having multiple cats also means making more veterinary appointments, which can become expensive.
The Ideal Number of Cats in a House
Too often cats are thought of as low maintenance pets that can be left to fend for themselves. This is not the case. Cats are social creatures that need companionship, whether that be from another feline friend or their human caretakers. So, how many cats is too many in a house?
One Cat per Person in the House
The ideal number of cats in a house is usually one cat per person in the house. This allows each cat to have their own space and not feel overcrowded. It also gives each person in the house enough time to spend with each cat individually. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule and some people may have more than one cat per person in their house and still have a happy home.
One Cat per Room in the House
Most animal behaviorists and experts will agree that one room in the house per cat is the ideal number. So if you have a two bedroom house, then the ideal number of cats for you would be two. Three bedroom house? Three cats. It’s that simple.
There are a few reasons for this rule of thumb. First, it allows each cat to have its own space that it can claim as its own without having to share with another feline friend. Each cat can have its own food and water bowl, litter box, scratching post, toys, and bed. This can help reduce conflict between cats as they will not feel like they are competing for resources.
Second, having one cat per room in the house also allows you to keep an eye on each cat’s health and well-being more easily. You will be able to notice any changes in behavior or appearance more quickly and can address any issues early on before they become serious health problems.
And lastly, having one cat per room in the house just makes practical sense from a daily routine perspective. It will be easier to care for each cat properly if they each have their own space instead of trying to keep track of multiple cats in different parts of the house. So if you’re trying to decide how many cats is the right number for your household, remember the rule of one cat per room and you’ll be sure to make all your feline friends happy.
