What's the maximum number of cats allowed in a 1 bedroom flat?

Answer 1

The number allowed usually varies according to different local regulations in different areas. Check your city or town's website for animal codes in your area, or call your city's code complaince department and ask. The property owner may also have regulations - check with the property owner too.

The number that is reasonable to keep depends on the personalities of your cats and the size of your flat. Sometimes a cat prefers to be an only cat, sometimes two, three, or even four can get along together. In a small to medium apartment, having more than 3 or 4 will usually bring on serious territorial issues such as fighting or urine marking. I think the ideal number for an apartment is 2 - they can keep each other company, but it's not so many that you're risking territorial issues unless one of them is an 'only cat' personality. You can increase the territorial area in your apartment by adding vertical space with cat trees and climbing shelves, but I personally wouldn't recommending having more than a maximum of 3 or 4 cats in an apartment. I started out with 2 and went up to 4 - but they had territorial issues as soon as I went over 2, so I had to manage those very carefully, with cat trees, Feliway, extra litterboxes, and play therapy sessions. Now that I'm in a house things are calmer. Another consideration - multiple cats can also make it more difficult to find rental housing if you ever need to move. Also, you'll need at least one litterbox per cat +1 - if you have 2 cats, you'll need 3 boxes, 4 cats, 5 boxes, etc., so having enough space for the right number of litterboxes is yet another thing to consider.

Answer 2

Hi! I would say 2 is the maximum. Cats should be kept indoors at all times (unless you have a very secure garden / outdoor run from which they cannot escape) so consider the size of your flat and whether you think they (or you) would feel claustrophobic with them being in all the time.

Even though cats can be very sociable, they will need some alone time too. If you have two cats, this means that one of them can be alone in your bedroom whilst the other is in the lounge. If you had three cats, they would feel crowded, (and so would you, most probably).

You also need to think about where you will put their things in terms of how many cats you can have. Two cats will sometimes share the same litter tray, but you may need to get them one each. They should DEFINITELY have their own food and water bowl. Obviously you'll need to keep this far away from the kitty litter, or they won't eat it. Also consider how much space a cat 'tree' will take up, as a small singular tube-style scratch post will not be sufficient. Buying a cat tree will actually serve a double function, as it will provide an extra space for them to take naps.

I definitely would not have more than two. Not only will it make your cats unhappy, but you would be more likely to encounter conflict between them. They are also likely to start scratching the furniture or spraying, in order to claim their territory. You may also have problems with them going to the toilet around your home if you have more than two cats sharing one litter tray.

My advice is to get two and see how it goes. When you move to a bigger place, you can always consider getting more then. It's obviously much better than getting three and then having to give one up. The only exception, I would say, is if you are planning on taking (maximum) 3 cats who have already lived together and already have a bond.

I hope this helps :-)

xx Emmie

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

Depends on your landlord, but I had 5 in my own house, and I'd reckon that is the maximum that anyone should have, as looking after them properly takes a lot of time. By the time you've fussed each of them at different times, groomed them, checked them over, played with them, cleaned the house of cat fluff, fed them... and then gone to work there really isn't much more time for any more!

It will also depend on how they get on together. Some cats need to be on their own, others like to play together. All mine were related so they'd known each other since they were born.

Answer 5

I only have one now but I was told that I would be allowed a maximum of two large (cats, dogs) pets in a one bed roomed flat. When Jet finally goes belly up (I keep telling him it won't be long - don't worry, I love the pants off him really and he purrs almost constantly). I do plan on getting a couple of rescue kittens, I'm deciding on the names now. Current favourites are Clarty and Bottom ..... Elflaeda and Bodicea (for girls) .... Brocmail and Ethelred (for boys) .... Tuna and Food (save time and energy at mealtimes).

Answer 6

First thing you need to consult is your local laws (for example in Denver you can technically only have a maximum of 3 cats+dogs in one household.)
Then check with your land lord and see what she says.
Whichever number is lower is your answer.

Answer 7

How big is it? I have about 700 square feet and the rooms were large enough to make my two cats happy. They also had a balcony, and were female indoor only kitties with played with each other a lot.

Answer 8

As many as you want although I think two or three would be enough and I hope they can get out or that is a lot of cat litter to clean up plus the smell!

Answer 9

i live in a two bedroom maissonette and have 4 cats

Answer 10

Probably however many you want as long as you look after them properly, otherwise it wouldn't matter however many cats you have, 1 or 10, you probably wouldn't be allowed to have them.