The odd Three - Two buddies, one left out... is it always this way?

I've always had odd numbers, first 7 and now 5 no one is left out. They are either all together or split 2 & 3 and it's not the same split either they mix it up as everyone gets along.

Waaayyyyy back when I only had 3 cats, I had the "lone ranger" that kind of got ignored. When I moved up to 4 cats - then I just had behavioral issues & the "lone ranger" that kind of got ignored. So sometimes it's just the cats purr-sonalities.

So your kitties have a "clique"?

I have three.

I'm not familiar with even number cats except when I first adopted my first two cats - Sphinx and Kuce. They tolerated each other - no fights or anything. I think (both being seniors at adoption) they were thankful to have a home.

It all depends on their moods. Sometimes they all sleep together, other times they sleep in pairs and one alone, or they all sleep bt themselves. They all perfer to play by themselves most of the time, except that sometimes Luvbug will play with Lil' Jag (they are closer in age.) They haven't been mean to each other than the usual tempers that flare up on rare ocassions (no one was hurt).

Maybe and older or more laid back cat sounds possible. Maybe someone with more experience would have better advice.

Good luck.

I have three cats. They get along just fine. Two are definitely closer, but they are litter mates, so it's expected. The third cat seems to like people more, so it works out fairly well for everyone concerned. I do see all three of them lying on the bed together when it's cold!

You reminded me, though, that when I was younger, I always noticed that people living in a "triple" (dorm room or apt. housing three) always seemed to see their friendships challenged by that situation. Is it human (or in your case, feline) nature to pair off, so that someone always ends up feeling like a third wheel?

I have 7 indoors, currently. But have been through 2, 3, then 4.

First came Sho, then I found Tomas as a kitten. Sho raised him and those two are close in a way that none of the other adult cats are. They cuddle, groom each other, play some.
Then came Sherman. Once Tomas accepted him he was the new kitty to play with and those two were always playing with each other - and understandably so. They're closer in age and energy level.
Along came Siri. She doesn't really like other cats and keeps herself apart. Tomas tried for a while and very rarely she would play with him a bit but due to her own nervousness and misunderstanding signals some how, she often thought he was trying to do more than play and would get a bit serious. Sherman desperately wants her to play with him but she never will.

Last October I got the kittens, intro'ed them in late November - early December. Tomas forgot about Siri, nearly stopped playing with Sherman, and prefers to cuddle with his babies more often than with Sho.
The three kittens, being litter mates, are very close.

All but Siri will group up tightly at the foot of the bed for naps. You can find anyone's head on anyone's butt or belly.

So my only odd cat out is Siri and not for lack of the other cats trying to engage her.

So yes, they will group/pair off for some playing. But it's mostly due to how those cats play and what signals they give each other. Adding another doesn't guarantee you'll get even pairs.

ETA: Bugsy was a former stud? There might be something in his behavior that sets him apart a little. Maybe a younger male (neutered before maturing) would be a good match with him?

My kitties also have their little cliques.

Shadey and Elliott are best buds.
Imhotep and Cleo II are in love.
Osiris and Cleo II are siblings and have a close bond.
Then the 3 youngest, Nova, Azizi and Teyah all play and REALLY get along well.