How many cats to have? How many are too many?
Posted by: "Muriel" harplady2005@yahoo.com harplady2005
Tue Aug 19, 2008 2:56 am (PDT)
I just received this from a friend. I thought it very good in light of my new family.
asking for advice on how to minimize
> problems in multi-cat households.
>
> First of all, there are more than 90.5 million cats
> in 37.7 million U.S. households. The average number
> of cats in U.S. homes is 2.4. The average size of a
> home in the U.S. is 2,330 square feet.
>
> Behavioral problems in cats can be high, especially the
> more pets you have. Theories on how many cats are
> "too many" vary. It is thought by some that behavioral
> problems are less frequently in cats if the density of
> cats in your home is less than about 1 per 500 square
> feet. One thing is for sure; behavioral problems will
> generally increase with the more cats you have.
>
> If you have several cats and are thinking about getting
> another one, you may want to read this article: "Should
> I Get Another Cat?" to help you decide.
> I've seen a lot of cats in small homes with no behavioral
> problems. If you can have a small home and multiple cats,
> there are some things you can do to minimize stress and
> subsequent behavioral problems by creating a cat-friendly
> environment.
>
> Too many cats in too small of an area can create cat stress.
> As we discussed earlier, cats are territorial and will
> mark their territory. Indoor only cats in multi-cat
> households will often mark their territory, in the house.
>
> If you have a multi-cat household as most people do, let's talk
> about some ways to decrease multi-cat household stress.
>
> The "keys" are to create space and privacy for all your cats
> and create "environmental enrichment". I'll tell you what
> that means in a few minutes.
>
> First, make sure your cats are spayed and neutered. This
> will greatly reduce stress. Generally, the sooner you spay
> and neuter your cats, the better.
>
> Next, make sure you have plenty of litter boxes and lots of
> places for your kitties to eat and drink. There can be
> rivalry over both litter boxes and food and water to ensure
> all your cats have ready access to both.
>
> Create an environment that enhanced for your cats.
> What do cats like? They like places to hide, perch, scratch,
> and play. Create retreats for your kitty and plenty of
> "hiding" places.
>
> Hiding places can be a simple as boxes under the bed, in
> closets, and other hidden spots. The "high" beds can be
> effortless things like pillows or towels on tops of dressers,
> bookshelves, or other high places where your cat can climb,
> sleep, rest and watch.
>
> Provide lots of scratching posts. Make sure they are high
> allowing your cat really stretch when they scratch and
> encourage their use by placing them in rooms where your
> cat likes to be.
>
> If you are limited by square footage in your home, go
> high. Use cat trees that give lots of levels and vertical
> space for your kitties. They also like to climb and like
> the perch. Cats like to look out over a room and see what
> is going on. This again goes back to their sense of security
> and gives them comfort.
>
> Cats also really enjoy views from windows. Consider
> installing a bird house or squirrel feeder within view and a
> window seat that will give them something to do and watch
> during the day. I have both and my cats will spend hours
> watching!
>
> Another favorite place for cats is outdoor enclosures. This can
> be a screened in porch or an enclosed patio. This allows your
> cat in a controlled environment without being outside. This is
> a great spot to make sure they have beds, high spots to perch
> and birds and other wildlife to watch.
>
>
> Until next time,
>
> Dr. Jon
>
> P.S. If you want some ideas on how to environmentally enhance
> your home for your cats, read this article
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