How many cats is enough?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2004
How many cats is enough?
9
Sat, 07-31-2004 - 12:33pm
Hi Everyone, I've posted here before (formerly rcmwolflady) so just popping in for advice.

I have three cats, a 15+ year old, a 5 year old and a 3 year old. I thought our family was complete along with our 7 year old dog. I volunteer with an animal shelter doing fundraising and had to go in for a meeting last night. I fell in love with a cat. She lived with eight other cats until her elderly owner passed away. She's a little bit of a thing at I'd say only about 4-5 lbs. Mansi is about six years old. DH said I could bring her home.

My concern is my 15+ year old, Kahlua. In the last 3 1/2 years she's lost two sisters, we've moved into our own house, added two cats and a dog. She's handled it all as well as anyone could expect. Our most recent addition was just over a year ago. I talked to the shelter manager about it this morning. She said that a cat is a cat is a cat. If they're all used to other cats than other than the initials hisses, growls, etc. everyone will figure out their place. Kahlua will let it be known that she is the boss and eventually things will be back to normal. Is this fair to put her through this at her age?

I'm not worried about extra food and litter. As far as vet bills, we make it happen. I'm a firm believer in what is meant to be is meant to be. I told DH if she's still there next Saturday we'd both go to the shelter (he's working today).

I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice.

Renee'

 

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 07-31-2004 - 1:21pm

Hi Renee', welcome back.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Sat, 07-31-2004 - 4:51pm
How is Mansi's personality? If she is little trouble, laid back and gets along with other cats things will work out. Sounds like you can handle one more. donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
Sat, 07-31-2004 - 5:40pm
It sounds as though youhave always had a lot og animals so I would think she would be fine and it may be nice for her! Great of you to volunteer and adopt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Sat, 07-31-2004 - 7:33pm
Cats are like potato chips... you can't have just one. =)

If you can afford to care for a new addition I say go for it.

Good luck either way.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2003
Sun, 08-01-2004 - 2:11pm
I HAVE 15 CATS AND THEY RANGE IN AGE FROM 24 TO 3YEARS AND WHEN YOU BRING A NEW ONE IN THEY HAVE TO FIND THERE PECKING ORDER. SHE WELL DO FINE IF YOU DO IT A LITTLE AT A TIME ON PUTTING THEM TOGETHER. GOOD LUCK. JOANN
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 11:27am
I noticed on your profile you work pt? What kind of job do you do? I have 4 dogs and 14 cats, ages 15 yrs. to 10 wks. I also have a daycare. Between the d/c and animals I am busy. You are right, the cats will adjust. Takes some time, depending on their personality. donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-20-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 12:08pm

In our household, we love having 3 cats. That just seems to be the magic number for us. And it seems to work best when we have 2 boys and a girl, so the girl can be as queenly as she wants to be. I have been told that boys are a bit more laid back with jealousy type issues, and that

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-20-2004
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 8:30pm
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on our new addition. I told the shelter manager we'd be up Saturday but if there were any serious inquiries to go ahead and persue them. If she's meant to be ours she'll still be there. I feel so drawn to her but am so nervous about upsetting the existing family dynamics. I know its for a short time but I hate to see my animals upset.

I'll keep you posted.

Renee'

 

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 5:02pm

Hi Renee'.


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