Is There Such Thing As Too Many Pets?

It’s none of anybody’s business how many pets you have. Is the question any different if somebody has a lot of children? Most relationships do not last and the warning signs are from those who display displeasure in how many kids or pets a dating partner may have. Go find somebody else. NEVER tell somebody to get rid of their dogs or cats; it is not an option. I dated a guy like that, who refused to even PET my cat, then claimed I couldn’t live with him because his apartment building had a no pets rule, so I went down to the garbage room on his floor and brought back an empty carton of Scoops Away cat litter and demanded to know why he was lying to me. I found out he was a chronic liar, and if he didn’t want my cat, he didn’t want me, either. Found out he was cheating on me, too, and stringing us both along until I kicked his a** to the curb.

Move on. Most people with pets consider them to be part of the family and trust me, you’ll be gone before they will. If you only wish to date people with no pets or kids then you need to state that before you even start dating anyone … otherwise, it’s your own fault and you’re setting yourself up for failure right from the start.

There is absolutely no way you should tell anyone they have too many pets, and insinuate they get rid of them to continue to date you. I totally agree with Labyrinth, if you have strong feeling about this you should find out in advance if someone has pets, what kind and how many. If this bugs you, the odds that this relationship will last is so slim that it would be foolish for them to get rid of their pet for you anyway.

I agree with Rose to a point. I do also think though, that when a person has to many animals to properly care for and when finds themselves at risk for toxoplasmosis, it’s time to get rid of som e cats. If there is more cat poo than can be cleaned up to the point of it making a difference then something is wrong and that’s probably why someone would say something like “you have too many animals”

well, Im a person who may oonsider me to have too many pets, I rescue and find homes for them, after they have been neutured or spayed and vaccinations completed. I live with someone who has been with me for five years and I informed him when we started dating what I did, and now every time I save another animal from the streets, Im b******d at, all I could suggest is the truth at the beginning would be nice, So no one waste time. I wont change what I do, becouse I have a good cause and I have a great feeing when I find a wonderful home for the rescued. I much rather would be happier by myself than asked to change.

I just broke up with someone today who was like, I still want to date you but I don’t want to come to your house because you have too many pets. (Seven dogs and 13 cats.) At the end of the day, if he can’t deal with my animals, I can’t deal with him. He knew from day one how many pets I had and kept saying it was fine with him because he loves dogs and cats. I’m so glad there is such strong support on here for sticking with the pets. I put up with his idiot friends and his smoking/drinking, you’d think he could handle a cat sitting on his lap.

I googled too many pets to see what would appear. Three articles were found, all were women who were fined, jailed, etc. because they had too many pets … no men. There are excessive numbers to anything, but I certainly have not noticed men being persecuted for overindulgence.

I used to have 10 dogs. 2 of the just recently passed. But my boyfriend now tells me after 1.5 years that he can’t stand living with the dogs in the house. He doesn’t understand that my dogs are my kids.. they are not just animals or things.
I try to be as clean as possible, but can’t be at it 24 hrs a day.. I do work. I am willing to put them outside as a compromise. My mom told me yesterday that he told her a year + ago, that he was going to make sure I got rid of my dogs… I guess he thinks my love for him will make me do anything.
I do love him very much.. but the dogs are first. I am sorry. Can’t and won’t do that. If he doesn’t want me, then I hope and pray there is someone out there that will accept me with my dogs.

I disagree. What is the need to have so many pets? What is the point. You can get enough attention from one or two. Why do you need to collect them. They are not “kids”, They are not humans. They are animals. You can buy them at a shop. They each demand attention and it sends the wrong message to people you are dating. To me it says you care about yourself too much. It says that you prefer animal company to human company because you can’t get along with people very well. One or two is okay but any more is just excessive mess and a nuissance to non animal collectors. I hate going into someones house and having allof their animals jumping all over me. I hate getting their fur all over my clothes. I also believe that too many pets increases peoples chances of getting sick, especially touching dog’s noses. Just my two cents worth.

IMO people who collect pets have deep-seated emotional issues. Although I would never own a pet I can understand having one for companionship. I can even understand having 2 that keep each other company when the owner is is away. Any more than 2 pets is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. It’s simply unsanitary to have that many animals. I couldn’t imagine living in a house or apartment that is rank with pet ordor and that constantly needs to be cleaned of fleas, feces, vomit, and pet hair. Some of you should invest less money in your pets and more money in counseling.

I have three pets. Two cats and one dog… Is that still a sign that something is ’seriously wrong’? All of my pets are insanely clean and the cats are de-clawed. They really aren’t as messy as you are making them sound if you take the time to train them…

Wonder what your issues are? You do know that everyone has issues, right?

I am amazed at just how many people think we who own too many pets in their eyes think there is something wrong with us. I own 17 dogs, 1 cat and 5 horses one horse on the way .

I love them all , my house does not stink. They all have had their shots and go to the Vet when they need to for regular check ups.

They all eat the best food and have wonderful companionship with each other and me and my husband.

I could not have all these animals if he didn’t help me or love them as he also does.

They all get baths on a regular basis and their ears checked and their nails done etc.

Sure the house is full of doggie bones and toys and dog beds but so what.

I would prefer people stay away if they don’t like my pets.

I used to joke that I have so many pets to make up for the kisses I didn’t get from my husband.

That really is not a joke. My marriage is the shits, but my husband loves our animals as I do, so leaving him and taking them would kill him as it would kill me if he ever did that to me.

So we pretend to get along and go about our lives.

Each and everyone of our pets has a wonderful personality and they are all so different .

I could go on and on about the joy they bring me , but I won’t. Right now as I am writing this I have 5 on the couch with me and the rest are either in bed with him, or in my bed waiting for me.

The reason why men aren’t found with ‘too many’ animals is that, sorry to say, men aren’t the nurturing kind. Cats, dogs or kids…to men, less is more.

All of you people that have all these pets better enjoy their company, cause no enjoys yours. I wouldn’t date any of you with 10+ dogs. The reason you think your house doesn’t smell is beacue you do too and you’re used to it. Enjoy growing old alone and hope your pets don’t eat your face when you pass…

I have 10 Boston terriers in my house and no I do not stink and my home does not stink. AND they would not eat my face off if I died. You are a nut. I do not need counseling, they are gifts from God to comfort me and for me to care for them. My husband loves them as much as I do. If we are away, they have a sitter that stays with them. Sorry, but they prevent the issues that you say people need treatment for.

My husband and I have 6 dogs, 5 cats, and 4 cockatiels. All of our dogs live outside on 5 acres. 2 of which are fenced in, we have one tom cat outside, and four cats inside. we scoop the litterbox 3-4 times a day and sanitize and replace the litter every other day. We vacuum with a HEPA filter daily, and bleach down all hard surfaces, everyday, even walls once a week. Our bird cages are washed twice a week and fresh food and water is provided every morning. Our carpet does not stink, we use baking soda and lysol to clean the carpet and furniture. We also wash our sheets every two nights, and always shower before bed, Our home is cleaner than most non-pet homes. Our animals are our family, and we take pride in caring for them!

I have three dogs, 2 finches, 1 hedgehog, 3 chickens and 1 fish. I have have a cockatiel on the way, and possibly another fish to keep mine company. I don’t see why people insist on going onto chats like these and just insulting people, it looks to me like those sort of people have the problems, not people who care for animals. I say you have too many pets when you can’t take care of them all properly and divide your love and attention equally. I rescued most of my animals and can 100% say that I have given them a better life, so what if I have to wake up at 6am to take care of them? If I don’t who will? What are these people suggesting, I give my animals to an animal shelter where they have to sit in cages and wait for someone to love them. Or give them away to families/people who could potentially not treat them right or use them for puppy mills. Yeah right. I would never let anyone come between me and my animals, never have never will. Another thing, yes I think sometimes being around animals is nicer than being around people… at least they don’t judge and insult you because they feel like it.

Women with more than 2 cats are a particular personality type. Run.

I suppose you must know considering the number of relationships you’ve had. Wonder why none of them lasted?

I have 4 cats, a 3y/o daughter and a 1 m/o son. my partner has said to me that we should consider giving one away, i walked away saying ‘can i give you away’. Soon put a stop to that nonsense, never get between a pet owner and their pets, it’s a bad idea.

I have a cat(although currently living with 2 beacuse my aunt had to go away for a while and we offered to take care of her cat); a small puppy and 2 degus. I looked this up to see if this is too many pets and if i needed to put any up for adoption. Apparently not. Thamks people with more pets than me! I feel sooo much better!

Thanks nice blog

Pet owners personify human traits into their animal companions. While I do love pets myself more than 2 is too much unless you have a farm.

You gotta understand your pets love you cause you feed them. If I fed them and played with them they would love me just as much. Its not a true human relationship. Animal lovers who sacrifice human companionship for the sake of their pets do have issues and were probably emotionally hurt at some point or have low self esteem. And to compare a child with a pet is ridiculous. And I don’t care how clean you are if you have over 5-6 pets unless your cleaning constantly your place is not clean.

I like dogs and pets too but there is such a thing as overboard. 10 kids is overboard and so is 10 pets. And if a person has a lot of pets chances are there is emotional baggage and I would stay away.

@TimelyAdvice