It’s no secret that cats are very particular creatures with their own personality and preferences. However, when it comes to the size of their home or apartment, the answer is equally as particular.
When deciding to adopt or take in a cat of any number, we have to consider the type of environment that they’re going to be put into. And there are many more factors that are more important than the size of the apartment. These factors include a good routine, environmental engagement, and catified spaces.
So how many cats can you have in an apartment? A catified studio apartment, even as small as 20 square meters, can be a great home for up to 3 cats. A well-catified apartment larger than 30 square meters, can also be a wonderful home for up to 4 cats.
The key is to have spaces designed for cats. Whether the apartment is small or large, well-designed spaces for cats will always trump a large space that doesn’t consider the cat’s needs.
Catification is making adjustments to the room to create spaces that can accommodate our cat’s needs. There are very easy and cheap ways to catify too! So there’s no reason not to catify if you’re thinking of adopting or taking in a cat or multiple cats!
Apartment Size to Number of Cats: Helpful Chart
Cats are becoming increasingly popular for indoor companionship, especially in apartments. As such, many people wonder if their apartment is large enough for their future companions.
This is a chart showing the minimum size that is recommended to the number of cats that it can home. It can vary from home to home of course but as long as the space is clean, uncluttered, and is able to provide all of a cat’s necessities – it’s fit for a cat.
For prospective cat owners that are considering one or two cats in their homes, this article will help you make your decision a lot easier: Is It Okay To Only Adopt One Kitten or Cat? Important Information!
| Minimum Apartment Size | How Many Cats? | Comments |
| Approximately 15 square meters (dormitory-style apartment) | Uncatified: one cat Catified: two cats | In a small space such as this, organization and being as minimal as possible is important (while still providing adequate cat spaces) |
| Approximately 20 square meters (the typical size for a studio or one-room apartment) | Uncatified: two cats Catified: three cats | Focus on multi-functional and multi-purpose furniture and toys. See recommended cat toys for ideas and tips! |
| Larger Than 30 square meters (typically sized two-room apartment) | Uncatified: two-three cats Catified: four cats | There’s a bit more flexibility if you have two rooms. However, catification concepts still apply. |
Is it surprising to know how many cats can live in a small space? I have been living in a small apartment (approximately 30 square meters) with my 4 cats for many years now. One of them being one of the most high-energy cat breeds, the Bengal cat. So if anyone knows how to live with cats effectively in a small apartment, it’s me!
It’s a busy life but it’s an enjoyable one. It’s been my passion to create a space that’s engaging and stimulating for my cats despite its size.
I have a normal day job as anyone does and when I get home it’s really never a dull moment. With a good environment and routine (play schedule & mealtime schedule), cats can easily fit within your lifestyle!
Cat Introductions In An Apartment
However many cats you might want in your home or apartment – it can become stressful if they all end up hating each other. Having a good balance and dynamic between all your cats is what makes having multiple cats so enjoyable.
They can play, groom, and keep each other company so making sure they all have good impressions of each other is crucial!
If you’re living in a studio or one-room apartment, the typical process to introduce a cat is impossible since there is no other room to separate the cats (new cat & resident cats). Luckily, I have figured out cat introductions without separating or isolating the new cat.
I have introduced all 4 of my cats using this method and helped other people introduce their cats without separating the cats in their apartments.
To introduce your cats well in an apartment without isolation – the first step is to create a zone in which the new cat has the necessities (separate litter box, water, etc.).
The second step is to use mealtimes (no free feeding!) to create positive associations between all the cats.
The third step is to use playtime to distract the cats from focusing on the new cat. Repeat steps 2-3 until all the cats are able to be in each other’s presence without hissing or swatting at each other.
This is a super simplified version of how to introduce cats and there’s a lot more to it.
For the highest chance of your cats getting along – read my full article: How to Introduce Cats in A Studio Apartment! Fastest Method!
How Many Cats is Too Many in An Apartment?
Cat hoarding is a danger to both humans and cats. There are a lot of risks with having many cats in a small apartment such as the spreading of illness and higher chances of injury. For example, there was a Russian Blue breeder that I met that had a problem with a skin problem with one of the kittens. That skin problem quickly spread to the rest of the litter and unfortunately, some of the kittens didn’t make it.
Here are the most common risks associated with owning too many cats or animals:
- Accidental injury – cats are masters of somehow getting under your foot, so having too many cats can increase the likelihood of injury for you and your cats.
- Easy spread of illness and disease – more cats means more of a chance that one cat can spread something to another, especially in small spaces.
- Behavioral issues – more cats means more behaviors and personalities to manage, without preparation and adequate attention to each cat – there is more of a chance that they might develop bad behavioral traits.
- Home/apartment damage – again, more cats means that there’s a higher chance that they might develop destructive habits.
- Bad inter-cat relationships – the more cats there are, the more difficult it is to manage inter-cat relationships. Cats don’t respond well to stress and it can become a major health issue for them. When we introduce cats, we want them to get along – not fight each other. This might cause humans to stress out too!
Sometimes depending on the cat and its personality, it’s better just to have one cat! Good cat owners will know if they should add another cat to the household or just keep it as it is! - Less sleep – each cat has its own energy levels, as such, it can be difficult to predict the energy levels of each cat. If your cats are playing when you don’t want them to, it can lead to some sleepless nights.
If you’re thinking about adding more cats to your apartment, ask yourself if you can handle the above issues and if you have enough attention and time to make sure that all your cats develop into well socialized/behaved members of your home.