Question about getting a third cat?

Question

Hi! I have two kitties already at home, a 6 mo old neutered male, and a 5.5 mo spayed female. I am thinking about adopting another 6 mo old spayed female. However, is three cats too much? People in my life are teasing me and calling me a "cat lady", but would three cats really be all that bad? Also, would there be any problems with having a third cat? My first two only took about 2 days to get along, and they use the same litterbox. I would get one for the new kitty, but should I also get a 3rd. I know that you are supposed to have one litterbox per cat, but if my first two share one, couldn't I just have two? What do you guys think?

Answer 1

I HAVE THREE.. IT CAN BE DONE.. BUT ITS A LOT OF WORK... I CLEAN MY LITTERBOC 3 TIMES A DAY, AND I HAVE TO BUY THE EXPENSIVE STUFF.. IF YOU REALLY LIKE CATS IT WILL BE FINE... YOU AND THE CATS WILL ADJUST.

Answer 2

If you want another cat and can provide for three that's great and you shouldn't hesitate to do it.

Three cats can "triangulate", meaning that two will get along and the third be "left out" of the inner circle. It's always risky because reactions are totally unpredictable. If you have the expectation that they will all be buddies you might be disappointed. If you are open to dealing with some relationship issues those can usually be resolved with time.

By refusing to consider a third litterbox (four is better) you may just be setting yourself up for problems there and that is something I would never risk.

Answer 3

It's a bit more work, but not more than one could handle to have three cats, you will definitely need to have 3 liter boxes to use as they get bigger. It's also great to give cats a good home so I wish you all the luck in the world.

Of course with 3 cats running around my house and me always saying how I'm thinking of rescuing another one I get called the cat lady all the time, don't let it bother you just love your kitties!

Answer 4

You need to consider several things before adding another cat to your household - a cat can live 15-20 years or longer, so it's a big commitment.

Do you have enough room in your home for three cats to live without feeling overcrowded? Overcrowding can cause all sorts of problems. Do you own or rent your home? If you rent, it may be harder to find an apartment with 3 cats than with two. I have 4 cats, and have had to live in some pretty run-down places just because they were the only ones who would rent to me with 4 cats. If you own, or you are planning to stay in a rental for a long time & your landlord is OK with 3, and you have lots of room, it's probably OK. Medical care can get expensive for older cats - will you have the time, energy, and money to care for three cats who all reach senior status at the same time? Adding another cat will definitely require at least one more litter box - the idea number is one for each cat +1 extra box. If one cat develops urinary problems or diarrhea, it will be tougher to tell which cat is having problems. Are you prepared for the responsibility to care for all of your cats if one or all ever become ill or develop behavior problems? If you plan to travel, you will incur additional expenses for boarding, or you'll have to get a pet sitter. Adding a third cat might inspire behavior problems or conflicts between your cats that currently get along well (or they might get along great, there really isn't any way to tell in advance). If you adopt another cat and they don't get along in spite of going through a careful introduction process, will the shelter allow you to return it? Consider carefully.

If you think you're up for the additional responsibility and would like to add a third cat, please go through the introduction process carefully, to minimize stress on the cats - this link explains how:
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintroductions

Answer 5

The only thing I will say about the third cat is to makesure the catis around the same age as the others. Everyone else reading thins..listen up! I mistakenly got a2 baby cats about 1 year apart, but thought the senior cat, 15 years old wouldlike the company. She felt betrayed. It has taken about 2 years for her to accept the other cats. Hint Hint!

Answer 6

I dont see alot of difference between 2 and 3 cats. I have 4 myself : )

I have 2 cats that share an extra large litter box for the most part but you might want to get an extra regular size one as well.

Answer 7

Well i have 3 cats. i also have 3 litter boxes, i thought it was a pain in the butt to have that many boxes, but u really need it. u have to change it so much. but then again as long as u have 2 boxes at least then u will be fine. cats adapt well! do not worry that 3 cats is too much. i also have a dog, three kids and a fish tank! so just ignore the taunting, i got it too lol.

Answer 8

Don't worry about what other people think. As long as you have the room and the ability to provide food and veterinary care for all three, you should be fine. If it were me, I'd have three litterboxes - again, that depends on the room issue. If you think you can handle it, go for it. I have two, but that's all I can really do in my small apartment.

Answer 9

if the first 2 are share i wouldnt worry about it and it will probably only take a couple days for everything to settle down again. i just got a 3rd cat yesterday and my g-ma has 8 cats. if its a passion of yours to have cats dont let anyone stop you. i think it is very nice of you to save a life like that.

Answer 10

This is coming from a cat lady.......I have 5. Trust me.......3 will be fine, but don't ever go over 3! Once you go over that, it is a lot of work.
I remember 3 as the good ol' days.

Answer 11

I have three cats. It is alot. I have often said I would not have 3 again. However, I can't help but fall in love with them!
PS- None of them get along.