Something I've always wondered about, as I have four cats and live in a fairly small apartment (junior one bedroom, around 500 sq feet) - how much space/how many square feet is recommended for each cat living in a home? I'm really not particularly concerned, as the cats get along well and aren't showing any signs of stress (they have lots of climbing space with their cat tree and the shelves of my desk, which I think helps), and I'm not having problems keeing the apartment clean (people always comment on how they wouldn't know I had cats because of the lack of smell - guess they expected me to live in a disgusting cesspit, gee thanks
) but am just sort of curious, as I always get shocked reactions to having four cats in a small apartment - which is understandable, I know it conjures up ideas of cat collectors, but my cats are all spayed/neutered, up to date on vaxes, free of fleas and parasites, and generally healthy and content (they get lots of individual attention and affection), and my apartment is clean and doesn't smell, so I don't believe I am one, but all the same it's something I feel sort of defensive about at times, even though I know my cats are cared for and happy - so I'd like to know what the acceptable guidlines are for amount of space per animal, if anyone knows. Also, because it is something I wonder about, is it still possible to be a collector if your cats are well cared for, in good health and not displaying signs of stress, but space is limited? As I said, it's not that I'm having any problems with the living arrangements myself, just, I dunno, I guess I'm just curious to hear what others think about this - also, is there anyone else who lives in a small space with several cats? Do you ever worry about these things? Thanks in advance for any input.