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Can having too many cats cause stress and behavioral issues for them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 1 year old

Can having so many cats cause stress between the other cats?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Great question. Of course being around other cats no matter what the number is can cause significant stress if the cats don't get along, especially if one constantly torments another one. Cats are very sensitive to this and can suffer very high levels of anxiety and stress hormones but outwardly appear fairly normal. Many health and behavioral problems can develop amongst a population of cats where the relationships are not good. Everyone thinks that all of the cats or all of the dogs will get along, but in reality a significant amount of stress can be involved in certain settings depending upon the animals involved and their interpersonal relationships. Great question. I hope you can resolve what triggered you to ask this question. Good luck with Jessie.

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