How many is too many?

[ink]

We are thinking it over.

[esrandall2000]

If you can afford it, go for it! I started with one, then I got another to keep the one company. Then I trapped two feral kittens whom I was going to foster then rehome, but I fell in love with them and now I have four! I live alone and these are my babies. Whimsey, my darling, in the four years that I've had him has probably cost me over $4,000 in vet bills ( and counting) , but I adore him and he is family. If I had more money and more room, I'd probably rescue two more.

Go for it!

[DarkImager]

I only have one (possibly two now?) outside kitties who've picked me and i'm planning on getting two kittens when I move back to the states and people call me a crazy cat lady just becasue i'm excited about the new kittens...

Well...then again...this is comming from strickly dog people

[ink]

We are most likely going to get them but we are going to wait just bit. Since it has already been a few days, most likely the adults would not really recognize each other. So we are going to wait until Sabrina and Pretty Girl have settled and are more comfortable.

Sabrina came out from under the bed three times last night to use the litter box and explore my room and the kids rooms. She came out this morning too. She isn't ready to get to know us all yet, she is still to unsettled by the changes in her life. We will be here when she is ready.

Pretty Girl finally came out from under the bed long enough to hide in the closet. She is going to take awhile longer to feel safe and comfortable. Its just the way she is. It will take her as long as it takes her.

I think that is why so many people shy away from adult cats. They want kittens who are ready to play within the first couple of days. If they just had some patience, they would find the treasures that are adult cats.

[Auntie Crazy]

Originally Posted by ink

I think that is why so many people shy away from adult cats. They want kittens who are ready to play within the first couple of days. If they just had some patience, they would find the treasures that are adult cats.

Indeed. You're a good person, Ink.

[strange_wings]

Originally Posted by ink

At what point does someone become the crazy cat person?

When you literally are going crazy.

I'm at nine so far. I can feel my mind starting to fray a bit (probably unrelated to cats...). I really want to be able to rehome my three feral kittens but finding suitable homes that will pass my requirements for them is probably going to be very hard (indoor, no young children, patient adults/older kids, quieter home). I don't want kittens, one of them is going to be Trouble (yes, with a capital T) when I finally let her out into the rest of the house.


IMO, those who prefer kittens over adult cats are crazy.

[NorthernGlow]

I agree with others. If you can afford it and have the time for everyone and enough space, go for it. Of course it depends on the cats aswell which I noticed when I got my third cat. The oldest just didn't accept him so the new one moved to my friend's place. A bit later I got 'another third' and everyone is getting along just fine. And I always said that 3 is the max. amount of cats for me, but in 7 days I'm getting fourth kitty... Yeah, I'm crazy.

[ink]

Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy

Indeed. You're a good person, Ink.

Once upon a time, when I still let cats go in and out, I adopted an adult Main Coon from a shelter. At the shelter she didn't want messed with and actually hissed at me when we reached in her cage to put her int he carrier. After a week or so of settling in, she became one of the coolest cats I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She dissappeared one day. I never knew what happened to her. That was the last time I ever lets cats be indoor and outdoor.

Originally Posted by strange_wings

When you literally are going crazy.

I'm at nine so far. I can feel my mind starting to fray a bit (probably unrelated to cats...). I really want to be able to rehome my three feral kittens but finding suitable homes that will pass my requirements for them is probably going to be very hard (indoor, no young children, patient adults/older kids, quieter home). I don't want kittens, one of them is going to be Trouble (yes, with a capital T) when I finally let her out into the rest of the house.


IMO, those who prefer kittens over adult cats are crazy.

Finding good homes can be difficult. I wouldn't rule out families with small children. If they had small children, I would arrange an interview at their house where you can see how the children behave (really this should be done with older children that should know better but frequently don't). I have a two year but he already knows how to be nice. He knows that you don't grab ears or tails and he knows how to pet properly not pound with his hand. By the time my older kids were four, they were able to be allowed to hold newborn kittens (not unsupervised of course). If the younger child is well behaved around animals and they have a quiet place for the kitty to escape to and maybe a tall tree for the cat to get up on when it wants to be alone, they might be good canidates.

Oh and I agree. I would take an adult cat over a kitten any day.

Originally Posted by NorthernGlow

I agree with others. If you can afford it and have the time for everyone and enough space, go for it. Of course it depends on the cats aswell which I noticed when I got my third cat. The oldest just didn't accept him so the new one moved to my friend's place. A bit later I got 'another third' and everyone is getting along just fine. And I always said that 3 is the max. amount of cats for me, but in 7 days I'm getting fourth kitty... Yeah, I'm crazy.

That is something we will have to take into consideration as well. We may decide given Pretty Girl's timidity, that it might be better not to rock the boat. The cats that are here will always be considered first before any new animals are brought in.

[P&R]

I don't think that's too many. I say as long as you can room, feed and keep up with them, it's fine, especially if there's 7 family members to help care for them.

[strange_wings]

Originally Posted by ink

Finding good homes can be difficult. I wouldn't rule out families with small children. If they had small children, I would arrange an interview at their house where you can see how the children behave (really this should be done with older children that should know better but frequently don't). I have a two year but he already knows how to be nice. He knows that you don't grab ears or tails and he knows how to pet properly not pound with his hand. By the time my older kids were four, they were able to be allowed to hold newborn kittens (not unsupervised of course). If the younger child is well behaved around animals and they have a quiet place for the kitty to escape to and maybe a tall tree for the cat to get up on when it wants to be alone, they might be good canidates.

They don't like being walked up to, stood above, any sort of loud or sudden noises, fast movements. They even have to be picked up carefully if one wants to avoid stressing them. As I said semi-ferals. Cute things, very sweet and do enjoy pettings. But not ready to go anywhere unless going to a home that understands their needs.

It would be extremely irresponsible of me to send any of them into a home with a young child - at this point they could still be a danger to a child.

Now if the kittens would stop playing in their water... I may just loose my mind sooner rather than later if this habit stays around.

[ink]

Originally Posted by strange_wings

They don't like being walked up to, stood above, any sort of loud or sudden noises, fast movements. They even have to be picked up carefully if one wants to avoid stressing them. As I said semi-ferals. Cute things, very sweet and do enjoy pettings. But not ready to go anywhere unless going to a home that understands their needs.

It would be extremely irresponsible of me to send any of them into a home with a young child - at this point they could still be a danger to a child.

Now if the kittens would stop playing in their water... I may just loose my mind sooner rather than later if this habit stays around.

I see why you need to watch who they go to so carefully. Eventually, the right home will come along.

LOL, playing in the water.

[cococat]

What a thread for the cat forum
Didn't really think anyone would talk you out of adding another did ya?
My personal cat limit is different than my dog limit. I like to have 3 dogs, but only like one cat at a time. I own reptiles and the reptiles and dogs get along great, but the cat and reptiles not so much. Cats and dogs yes.
Please post some pictures of your kitties and welcome