How many cats in an apartment?

by Jax
(Clementon, NJ)

I live in a 900 sq ft apt. I currently have 5 cats. there are four rooms and a balcony. I have feeding stations, bookshelves, long shelf walkways, and trees to climb. I have a 10yo male, now off insulin, thanks to your diet, a 2yo calico, two 7mo old brothers, and a 1yo male I just rescued from a shelter.
They all get along fairly well. Is adding one or two more pushing it? Is it unfair to the cats I have now who are relatively happy with the current situation?
I know the 10yo would not be happy about anymore new additions.

thanks for your wonderful website!

RESPONSE:

It is so wonderful to hear you were able to get your boy off insulin by changing his diet! And it sounds like your kitties have a really great home environment. As to adding more cats to the mix, I think you have already answered your own question. The group you have now is a happy one and your 10 year old would not be happy with more. The fact that the cats you have now are living in a good home and are healthy and happy naturally makes you want other cats to have that same level of happiness. While only you can decide what is best, it is important to realize that 3 of your cats have not yet reached maturity. Cats mature around 2-3 years of age. It is at this point that problems often develop in multiple cat households. With this in mind and given that you already know at least one of your cats would be unhappy with more "siblings", I suggest you maintain things as they are and enjoy them! They look like a fun bunch!

House Full Cats Mom