How much space is too little for 5 cats?

[Kels]

SO and I recently moved our blended cat family into a smaller apartment as SO is moving to Missouri in August for a job.

He is convinced that he needs to take his 2 cats back to Ohio to live with his parents for the duration of his position, since he will be living in university housing and unable to have pets there.

We went from a 2 level, 1500 sq. ft. duplex to a one level, 2 bedroom place that’s probably about 800 sq. ft.

I really want to keep all 5 here, if I can. I’m sure others have experience with multiple cats in smaller places, what do you all think?

[NoDQhere]

I think all 5 should be just fine. As long as they all get along and you clean litter boxes a lot.

[make_x_it_x_so]

Agree with NoDQ- I think with cats (as long as they get along) the litterbox is really the limiting factor, within reason of course.

[Big_Grey_hunter]

Our local shelter keeps groups of 5-8 cats in ‘catteries’ about 20’x20’ and they do just fine. A two bedroom apartment is plenty of space IF the cats all get along well

[Chall]

If you can put up “runways” using shelving, you will add to their useable space significantly and provide ways for them to escape each other.

http://www.hauspanther.com/category/design-finds/environmental-enrichment-architecture-interior-design-for-living-with-cats/

[GraceLikeRain]

We did the same set up for a month or two with fosters and it was absolutely not sustainable long term. The number of litter boxes alone was absurd because with 6 boxes in 800 square feet you have the accept having them in every nook and cranny. Meal times dominated the tiny kitchen. Scratching posts were everywhere because we didn’t want any stress related destruction with so little extra space. When they got riled up it was thundering cats taking out anything and everything in their path. How active are they? Would it be enough space to separate groups while you integrate? How comfortable are you with having cat stuff in plain sight 24/7?
What is not sustainable for one person is a breeze for another but this was my experience.

[Kels]

The cats have all lived together for over a year now, so integration isn’t an issue. They get along ok with the exception of the female, the rest are all male.

I’ve talked about building shelves/hideaways for them, I don’t mind having a house run by the cats. Even with just my three, they rule the place!!

Thanks for the input, it makes me feel better about continuing to push to keep them all here. Of course I’m biased, but I do want to be fair to their quality of life.

Edited to add, we have 7 litter boxes. This place has a storage room in it (a large extra closet/utility room) that is perfect for them. So they’re not all over or in the way.

[rb5007]

I have 5 in a similar space and it works just fine. Mine all get along and use the same giant litter box though. One of the two couches is unusable by humans (stuffed with cat beds) and bedtime in a queen size bed is hell (I have the best husband in the world!). Other than that no real issues. I would just say it depends on how well the cloudier functions.

[shiningwizard255]

Is this a short-term solution (I wasn’t sure by your OP, sounds like you are moving to MO in August)? I think if they get along fine and you don’t mind litter boxes everywhere, you should be okay. I don’t know if I could personally handle that many in such a space long-term though, I am in a place roughly 660 SF with two cats and sometimes I feel like we trip over each other! But if you don’t mind it, your kitties will be fine

[Kels]

[QUOTE=shiningwizard255;7503889]
Is this a short-term solution (I wasn’t sure by your OP, sounds like you are moving to MO in August)? )[/QUOTE]

He’s moving, I’m staying here. Unfortunately. He will be there for the job for two years. I’m staying in MN because I like it and my job is great. And I’ve just convinced my trainer to barter services with me, so free training.