# How many cats is the tipping point from cat lover to crazy cat collector? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 7, 2005, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321 "2005-03-07T05:51:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/101 "2005-03-09T22:58:01Z")
> [@missbunny](#): > > I have asked many, many people to PLEASE tell me the honest truth - can they smell cat when they walk in. Can they smell poop, urine, cat smell, or anything else. These are people who would tell me the truth, especially when I am insisting on it. Nobody has ever smelled anything. It’s hard to understand what people are saying behind the gas mask. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/102 "2005-03-09T23:15:07Z")
> [@pinkfreud](#): > > This discussion reminds me of some people’s opinions about how many children a couple can have without being considered whackaloons. > > A couple who used to live next door to us had fourteen children. Yep, fourteen. One set of twins and twelve singletons. Someone who didn’t know them (especially if it were someone who doesn’t much like kids anyway) might assume that those kids must have been neglected. How could two parents possibly pay enough attention to that many kids? Well, I can’t tell you precisely how, but the kids’ needs were obviously met, and then some. Those were the happiest, healthiest, brightest, best behaved children you can imagine. > > Where cats are concerned, folks can jabber about neglect, abuse, excess, hygiene, and delusional tendencies, but in the end, all that really matters is this: are the cats happy and healthy? Are the owners happy and healthy? Is anyone outside the household being affected in any negative way? If the answer to the first two questions is “yes,” and the answer to the third is “no,” then it is nobody’s damned business how many cats a person has. Are you so divorced from reality that you really think cats and kids are analogous in any way, shape, or form? Most _sane_ people seem to realize that having 4+ cats is a sign of some deeper issue. Doesn’t make you a bad person, but it usually means you have some kind of problem. Cats are animals, they are not human beings. As much as you may love cats, placing them on the same level as a person is insane. The main issue isn’t how well you take care of the cats you have. It would be, if we were talking about having respect for animals and treating your pets well. You can treat 50 cats like gold, but you would still be a “cat lady” who probably has deeper issues. Of course there are some exceptions, but I think it’s a pretty accurate generalization. ---
**Author:** ![pinkfreud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pinkfreud/32/17603_2.png) [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/103 "2005-03-09T23:39:21Z")
Well, I must say that all this has been an eye-opener. Until now, I really wasn’t aware how much contempt some people have for multi-cat households. The amount of amateur psychoanalysis in this thread is astounding, too. My husband and I have been the recipients of several awards from local animal care organizations, so we’d been thinking of ourselves as good people. I guess we patted ourselves on the back once too often, which generated a cosmic need for a kick in the butt. ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/104 "2005-03-10T00:46:38Z")
I am absolutely astounded at the level of pure arrogance that keeps cropping up in this thread. Not that you are the only person to make such a statement, but I cannot believe the way people will pick some random number–a number which would, apparently, fit _their own comfort level_, and announce that anyone who goes over the Magic Number is not sane or “has a problem” or is “delusional.” We are not talking about 50 cats here, or 600. No one in this thread has announced that he owns 50 or more cats, and as far as I can see, no one has fit the criteria that has been so amply provided for the clinical definition of hoarding. If it helps you get a little more real with your theory, I have 8 cats. And 4 dogs. And a bird. AND kids. And I’ve been in therapy for four years or so–first because my ex and I went for marriage counseling, now because frankly I like the hour of peace and quiet and chitchat it allows me once a month–and my therapist doesn’t seem to think I have “deeper issues” about the whole pet thing. In fact, her concerns are very much the concerns voiced by other cat-lovers in this thread: Is everyone healthy? Is everyone happy? Can you keep up with the litterboxes? Some of you are incredibly self-assured. I’d get that looked at. ---
**Author:** ![blackhobyah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@blackhobyah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blackhobyah)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/105 "2005-03-10T00:48:02Z")
> [@brickbacon](#): > > The main issue isn’t how well you take care of the cats you have. It would be, if we were talking about having respect for animals and treating your pets well. You can treat 50 cats like gold, but you would still be a “cat lady” who probably has deeper issues. Of course there are some exceptions, but I think it’s a pretty accurate generalization. It’s pretty accurate nonsense, but that’s about all it is. There’s no such think as some mythical X number of cats which determines who has crossed some imaginary line, which someone has arbitrarily drawn. If someone has fifty, well-cared for cats, a reasonably hygienic home and normal interactions with friends, family and others, then it’s no more a sign of insanity than someone who posts on a message board saying, “I believe someone with more than four cats is mentally unstable.” I think this thread says a lot more about the unwillingness of people to accept divergence from what they perceive as being “normal” than it does about people who own multiple cats. ---
**Author:** ![papergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/aca169/32.png) [@papergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/papergirl)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/106 "2005-03-10T00:49:35Z")
Sorry, **pinkfreud** , that “you” in my first sentence wasn’t directed at you. It was actually directed at **brickbacon** ’s comment, but then since bb wasn’t the only one to hop on that particular little red wagon, I cut out my quote. Anyhoo. Back to Magic Number Generating, everone. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![blackhobyah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@blackhobyah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blackhobyah)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/107 "2005-03-10T00:57:11Z")
> [@blackhobyah](#): > > There’s no such think as some mythical X number of cats which determines who has crossed some imaginary line, which someone has arbitrarily drawn. If someone has fifty, well-cared for cats, a reasonably hygienic home and normal I did actually mean “thing”. In my defence I’m typing with a hand just out of a cast, which isn’t functioning very well. ---
**Author:** ![pinkfreud](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pinkfreud/32/17603_2.png) [@pinkfreud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkfreud)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/108 "2005-03-10T01:13:20Z")
> [@blackhobyah](#): > > I did actually mean “thing”. In my defence I’m typing with a hand just out of a cast, which isn’t functioning very well. When I first read this post, I could have sworn it said “I’m typing with a hand just out of a cat.” 😛 ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/109 "2005-03-10T01:21:51Z")
> [@blackhobyah](#): > > It’s pretty accurate nonsense, but that’s about all it is. There’s no such think as some mythical X number of cats which determines who has crossed some imaginary line, which someone has arbitrarily drawn. If someone has fifty, well-cared for cats, a reasonably hygienic home and normal interactions with friends, family and others, then it’s no more a sign of insanity than someone who posts on a message board saying, “I believe someone with more than four cats is mentally unstable.” > > I think this thread says a lot more about the unwillingness of people to accept divergence from what they perceive as being “normal” than it does about people who own multiple cats. Except that people with fifty, well-cared for cats, a reasonably hygienic home and normal interactions with friends, family and others are virtually non existent. The vast majority of these people have serious problems. Of course, the number four is somewhat arbitrary. However, dozens of people have expressed the same sentiments and basically agreed the 4+ cats is suspect. In the real world, having 10 cats is a clear sign to most people. You may not wish to see the world as it exists, but you will be judged by those who do. ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/110 "2005-03-10T01:24:10Z")
> [@pinkfreud](#): > > Well, I must say that all this has been an eye-opener. Until now, I really wasn’t aware how much contempt some people have for multi-cat households. The amount of amateur psychoanalysis in this thread is astounding, too. > > My husband and I have been the recipients of several awards from local animal care organizations, so we’d been thinking of ourselves as good people. I guess we patted ourselves on the back once too often, which generated a cosmic need for a kick in the butt. Where did I say that having tons of cats makes you a “bad” person? Where did anybody say that? You are far too sensitive. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/111 "2005-03-10T01:28:26Z")
Isn’t “accurate generalization” something of an oxymoron anyway? Regarding the stinkiness of households, cats are like people in that some are naturally a bit whiffier than others. A lot of it has to do with diet. If I may fling out some more _generalizations_-I’ve noticed that when mine have been on a wet food diet their waste is pretty stinky but on a high-quality dry food it’s much better, they produce less as well. Kittens tend to be a bit more odoriferous than grown cats for some reason. Part of it could be that I’ve fostered kits so young they didn’t yet know how to keep themselves clean. I once had a male that was pretty musky even after he was neutered and I must confess he did contribute the household aroma, especially after he developed gi problems later in life. However even he couldn’t match the level of my bachelor brother’s apartment. Nor, I’d wager, any given group of guys on “chili night”. ( :)) Trust _me_, my house doesn’t reek unless I’ve burnt the cinnamon toast again. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/112 "2005-03-10T01:31:33Z")
> [@brickbacon](#): > > Except that people with fifty, well-cared for cats, a reasonably hygienic home and normal interactions with friends, family and others are virtually non existent. The vast majority of these people have serious problems. Of course, the number four is somewhat arbitrary. However, dozens of people have expressed the same sentiments and basically agreed the 4+ cats is suspect. In the real world, having 10 cats is a clear sign to most people. You may not wish to see the world as it exists, but you will be judged by those who do. So you know most people, do you? Wherever do you find the time to post? My word, I’m so relieved to have someone with a clear vision of the truth! 'Tis a pity you didn’t share it years ago. I could have saved a bundle on therapy bills. ---
**Author:** ![Euthanasiast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/113 "2005-03-10T01:34:32Z")
[Dennis Miller] If you have more than three cats in your home, then know this: Each of them has nine lives, and you have none. So if they were really your pals they’d loan you one of theirs. [/Dennis Miller] 😉 ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/114 "2005-03-10T01:36:42Z")
> [@dwyr](#): > > So you know most people, do you? Wherever do you find the time to post? > > My word, I’m so relieved to have someone with a clear vision of the truth! 'Tis a pity you didn’t share it years ago. I could have saved a bundle on therapy bills. That’s cute. ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/115 "2005-03-10T01:54:07Z")
> [@pinkfreud](#): > > When I first read this post, I could have sworn it said “I’m typing with a hand just out of a cat.” 😛 I thought that, too. And if it’s any consolation, pf, I think you’re cool. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/116 "2005-03-10T01:59:10Z")
> [@brickbacon](#): > > Except that people with fifty, well-cared for cats, a reasonably hygienic home and normal interactions with friends, family and others are virtually non existent. And I pointed out in my first post that I know of a woman who has about fifty plus cats at one time on her property (although again, they are not all HER’s), and they are well taken care of. ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/117 "2005-03-10T02:44:49Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > And I pointed out in my first post that I know of a woman who has about fifty plus cats at one time on her property (although again, they are not all HER’s), and they are well taken care of. Well. I guess that negates everything I said . Clearly if you know one person that fits that profile and isnt crazy, then I must be wrong all the time. If you can’t trust anonymous internet testimony, then what can you trust. I apologize profusely. Everyone who has dozens of cats is perfectly normal and rational. No problem there. ---
**Author:** ![dwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dwyr/32/363_2.png) [@dwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dwyr)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/118 "2005-03-10T03:30:29Z")
On the other hand, just because you know of someone with many cats who _has_ a problem, that makes those of us that say it isn’t always true wrong according to you. How is that different again? ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/119 "2005-03-10T04:41:26Z")
> [@dwyr](#): > > On the other hand, just because you know of someone with many cats who _has_ a problem, that makes those of us that say it isn’t always true wrong according to you. How is that different again? Because I can point to countless instances of crazy cat collectors. They represent the vast majority of people who have dozens of cats. That’s one reason why it’s a mental illness. I don’t know if you were really being serious, so I will stop there. Most rational people can see how illogical your statement is. ---
**Author:** ![pendgwen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3da27b/32.png) [@pendgwen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pendgwen)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321/120 "2005-03-10T06:40:56Z")
> [@brickbacon](#): > > Because I can point to countless instances of crazy cat collectors. They represent the vast majority of people who have dozens of cats. That’s one reason why it’s a mental illness. Nonsense. It’s only the crazy ones that make the news. There may be many people who have lots of cats but because they’re not crazy and their animals are well cared for no intervention is necessary and you don’t hear about them. No one is disputing that animal hoarding can be a mental illness. But that doesn’t mean that everyone who has lots of animals has that illness. I don’t know what percentage of people who have X number of cats are hoarders and I doubt that you do either. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-is-the-tipping-point-from-cat-lover-to-crazy-cat-collector/293321.md?page=7)