Too many cats?

I currently have 3 cats. Two are 3 1/2 years old and one is 4 months. The male cat wanted to play while the female cat wanted to be left alone, so we adopted the 4 month old so he would have a playmate. Well, this was one month ago. About 2 weeks ago, I noticed the 4 month old's sister is the only sibling still available. I feel really bad and am trying to convince my partner that we have enough room for four cats.

His biggest gripe is that we won't have enough room for another cat. We have a 1500 sq foot house right now, but by next September we will (hopefully) be moving interstate and will probably end up in an apartment. We will both be in grad school and may have to move into a smaller apartment. If we have to move into a 2 bedroom apartment, will the cats have enough room to play? My whole thing is that there is not that big of a difference between 3 cats and 4 cats, so we might as well get his sister. What do you think?

Over and above that, being only 4 months old and having been separated from his sister for over a month, would my cat even recognize his sister or will she be a "stranger" to him?

Thanks,
Tamara

His sister will be a stranger to him.

It's not so much how much room they need to play, it's how much space each cat needs to feel comfortable. My vet has a theory that space works out to 500 sq ft per cat. My own theory is one cat per room. But plenty of people have more cats in less space. You don't really know until you try it. Personally, since you're going to be moving, I think the best thing to do is to not get another cat before you move.

Wow, 500 sq. ft! I've always had an idea of 2000 sq. ft. per cat --boy was I off!

I have to say it's probably best not to get another cat, but there are many people here with a bunch of cats who probably feel differently. I think it comes down to their individual personalities, and since one of your cats has already expressed discomfort with community living, she probably wouldn't like another friend; the other cats that like to play already have each other to play with so they should be fine as well.

If you're worried about the kitten that's left, you could try to find her a home by getting the word out at your vet's and to your friends.

Originally Posted by Purr

Wow, 500 sq. ft! I've always had an idea of 2000 sq. ft. per cat --boy was I off!

I have to say it's probably best not to get another cat, but there are many people here with a bunch of cats who probably feel differently.

I think it comes down to their individual personalities, and since one of your cats has already expressed discomfort with community living, she probably wouldn't like another friend; the other cats that like to play already have each other to play with so they should be fine as well.

If you're worried about the kitten that's left, you could try to find her a home by getting the word out at your vet's and to your friends.

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You must live in an area where the houses are huge. In NYC you are lucky if you have 1000 ft squared. Most studios and 1-bedrooms are much smaller 250-750 Square feet. I live in a small apartment and have 2 cats and would love to get a third but dont know if I am inviting problems by adding another.

Gosh....we only have 1,120 sq ft in our whole house (not counting the garage) and there are 2 of us living here with 2 cats...and it`s planty big enough for us!
I`d say if you can talk your SO other into it...it would be nice for your little one to have a playmate his own age. (Whether or not he remembers her...they will rebond)
I`d never get a single kitten gain if it were up to me...I`d always get a pair.
Linda

you should get some cat furniture if you don't have some already. cat's feel more comfortable if they are higher off the ground. you could get them a cat tree that reaches the ceiling. they need to have their own space. i personally don't think you have too many cats. they just need to feel more comfortable so invest in some furniture for them.

Thanks for the input everyone! You didn't tell me what I wanted to hear, but you probably told me what I needed to hear.

Thanks again