What Life is Really Like Living with 12 Cats
Published almost 8 years ago by Olivia Canlas
It’s always been a dream of mine to be surrounded by endless furry fluffy purry kitties. For cat lady, Michelle of Saga, Japan, this dream is a reality. Michelle is a full time cat mom of 12 Chinchilla Persians named Yuki, Shou, Momo, Yuri, Blackie, Bruce, Kaya, Karu, Ai, Tiger, James, and Goodie. I was dying to ask her a hundred questions, but I managed to narrow it down to 12 – one for each cat ;)
How does one come to live with a dozen cats? Not two or three or six, but twelve!
At first we only wanted to see the kittens of our first 3 cats, Yuki , Momo, and Shou. Our plan was to let the 2 females give birth and then get all of them fixed. We would then find new homes for the kittens…but obviously that didn’t happen, and in no time our fur family got this big.
What are the top 5 questions people ask you about your cats?
How do you tell them apart, what’s their food, do they all get along, do they follow you around all the time, and who is my favorite.
Let’s get some answers to those questions! How do you tell them apart?
It’s not hard for me because I’ve had them since they were kittens . The silvers do look similar but they are honestly so different. The fur, the shade patterns, and the fluffs on their tails are different. I can totally tell the difference by their tails.
What do they eat and how much?
I give them Hill’s Science Diet, but I also give them wet food once a day, tuna or chicken.
Do they all get along?
Yes I believe so. They don’t have big fights that I need to worry about. There is some hissing, but no biggie.
Do they follow you all the time?
No, not always . Only Yuri and Goodie really follow me.
Do you have a favourite cat?
I love them all equally and I really do not think I have a favourite, but when I ask my husband who he thinks is my favourite, he says its Yuri and Goodie. Since both always follow me wherever I go, they are the ones who get most of my kisses and hugs :)
What is an average day like for you?
Our day starts at 7am. I feed them then I cook breakfast for my husband and I. After breakfast, I clean their eyes and brush them, which takes 2-3 hrs every morning, then I let them play in the catio while I clean the house. After lunch is my “me” time. I usually go out in the afternoon and come home before dinner to feed them.
How big is your house?
We live in a two storey, three bedroom house. There are two bedrooms upstairs and they are only allowed downstairs but they are allowed anywhere down there. Many people ask why I allow them on the kitchen table and counter tops. My answer is that because it’s “our” house and I don’t mind cleaning the counter every time I need to use it. They are cats and so I let them be cats!
What’s the best thing about having 12 cats?
The best thing about having 12 cats is 12 times the love and joy they bring to our hearts.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
People think that I’m weird and crazy because I have 12 cats. They think that it’s not normal to have 12 cats. It doesn’t matter to me what people think. I’m happy living with my 12 cats. They are my family and that’s what matters most.
Do you have any advice for people who aspire to have as many cats as you?
Having 12 cats is not easy–it’s a full time job. You need to be responsible and patient . It’s a lot of work but it’s all worth it.
Looks like I’m not the only one fascinated by Michelle’s life. These 12 cats have a social following of over 144K fans! Get a peek into Michelle’s daily life with her furry dozen on Instagram and Facebook.