How many is a lot?

[normad]

I'm still thinking about a buddy for Sammy but now I was curious as to how many cats people have and what you feel is the most cats that people should have.

Thank you

[hazelrunpack]

Can't speak to cats (we don't have any), but we do have 8 50-lb setters in the house and we don't get so many strange looks...

[Marty11]

Two is great! I just added a second dog in my home. Cats are a little slower at introductions, but it can work and it is nice to see two cats cuddling together.

[marko]

We have two cats and we are always thinking about getting more.. but space is tight! I'd say it really depends on where you are. In a big city, in an apartment I might suggest that 5+ cats might be pushing it....In a house, that many seems fine if there's lots of space and everyone gets along.

I wonder if there guidelines about this? I know my wife would want as many cats as possible - lol.

[rottysrule]

i know in some places they do have bylaws on how many cats you own...I have 3 female cats 1 stray male thats become ours and i am watching 1 male kitten plus having 2 dogs.. its alot. only 2 of my females get along, and the 2 males get along. it can be hard if you have older cats to bring in another cat or kitten.

[Barkingdog]

Originally Posted by marko

We have two cats and we are always thinking about getting more.. but space is tight! I'd say it really depends on where you are. In a big city, in an apartment I might suggest that 5+ cats might be pushing it....In a house, that many seems fine if there's lots of space and everyone gets along.

I wonder if there guidelines about this? I know my wife would want as many cats as possible - lol.

I agree , it really depend how big a house you have, I feel that the house or apartment should be big enough so each pet can have their own space to take a nap or just have some alone time. And most importance thing to consider can you afford the vet bills and food for a lot cats. If one cat get sick it could spread to the other cats.

[Lynne&Co.]

Ideally it would be nice for our pets to have a buddy. They are usually left alone everyday so having a buddy to cuddle up with would be great. There is a chance that they may not get along but more than likely they will learn to accept each other especially if you work hard at properly introducing them. I introduced two dogs and a cat to each other and I'm not saying it was easy but in the end everybody gets along and they even all curl up together to nap on occasion. As long as you can give them their separate space when/if needed and you are prepared to double your vet and food bills you should be just fine. You might also want to consider the litterbox situation. I only have one cat and one box but my friend has two cats and she tells me she needs three boxes as they need to each have their own as well as an extra? Not sure about that part but maybe someone else here that has multiple cats can confirm that or not?
P.S.
I would keep them separated in the beginning if you go out just in case there is a "dispute"