I do not find offense in your opinion, however, I do find FAR too much room between 6 and 100 not to comment. I have 6 cats, in my 1100 sf house. We have no children. Didn't plan on more than 3, until 3- 9 day old kittens came into our life, and developed the most aggressive case of ringworm our feline specialist had seen. We fought it 3 months, and fell in love in the process.Now 5 years old, "Winky" one of the girls, is the constant companion of our eldest at 15, she washes her, sleeps with her, and sits and eats with her. Our middle,"Buddy" is a 23# diabetic, managed on ProZinc successfully for almost 2 years now.
Do we have challenges? Yes. Quabbles? Yes. Urination? Never once in 28 years of multiple cat ownership. Never.
I also run a successful black feline rescue and rehabilitation. Our community house is 12 x 16, and at maximum has held 10 cats of all ages for prolonged periods. These cats are already more than 30 days past spay or neuter, and FeLV/FIV tested before introductions. They then start in a large 4'x2'x 6' fully screened cage for the first 7-10 days before supervised outage with the residents. All front nails are kept clipped when new cats are coming in, and everyone gets a bowl of "new" toys to share on integration day. Rarely does it require more than that to keep everyone in Harmony. There are a lot of vertical spaces and private hidie holes. Everyone gets individual greets morning and night, and seldom does it take more than a hey!, a snap and a point of the finger at any signs of trouble.
None of our cats are ever allowed outside, and none of the outs ever come in, There are NO dogs.
The key to having ( and deserving to claim it as a success) in either environment, is
A: SPAYED OR NEUTERED, ( and a minimum 2 week period following before introduction)
B:That they be provided the medical care needed as well as preventive maintenance (such as dental cleaning, flea and tick prevention, worming, vaccinations, etc.). Having a large crate ( or 2), or small room for "observation", is essential for a "diagnosis" of the need for vet visit when we suspect someone is "off" in their game.
C: The consistent use of quality food, Unscented litter, with boxes scooped twice daily at minimum ( we have a box per 3 cats)
D: Making sure each cat has a space, whether that be a blanket, a box, their corner of the sofa that they can call their own. Add PLENTY of vertical space, and multiple levels for sight seeing from at least one or two windows.
E: The most important element is YOUR TIME. Cats need individual eye contact, a stroke of their head or chin, their name spoken, they need daily validation of your commitment to them for their trust and their respect. YES, cats can trained, and the more human contact, and respect you give them as individuals, the more human like qualities you can expect in return. It is not uncommon for me to have 6 rescue cats in my lap, on the arms of the chair, all getting love, and getting along in the process. It's a beautiful thing to experience all those personalities intertwined.
So what I am trying to point out is, TIME, and the FINANCIAL ABILITY to provide for their needs beyond the basics, are what make all the difference between a hoarder, and someone who would rather have 9 cats than 19 kids and counting. Thanks for letting me share my opinion.

Achance4cats AWESOME point. It sounds like you are doing an amazing job. You're right - there's a huge range between 6 and 100, and it sounds like you and your family are doing a superior job. :) Thanks for your excellent points!

Thank you for your praise, it's heartwarming.
For my rescue, it's actually just me, which is why I have capped myself at 20, and prefer around 14. We are currently building a second building of the same size for the De-clawed, older or shyer residents, so they can relax without our more "active" guests.
I have rescue friends who have quoted numbers from 30, and have personal friendship, with one who houses as many as 130, mostly kittens, and mostly caged, but I simply could not provide the care, and stringent testing and quarantine schedule with each guest with any more than what I have now. Thankfully, I have an extended family, parents, who further my dream, by not only fostering and helping me, but also understanding that most likely, every spare moment will involve the "Kitteh's" needs before everything else. I love your column.

AChance4Cats, you have hit the nail on the head. Time and money are the two factors which most influence the number of cats, dogs, or even human kids that a person should have.
Realistically, the more cats one has, the less attention that each one will get. There are only so many hours in the day and that time must be divided up between them all in order to give them each a fair shake and an equal amount of attention. It stands to reason that as the number increases, the time that each one gets will decrease, not necessarily by choice, but by necessity.
Hoarding, as someone else said, is truly a mental illness, whereas rescuing is pretty much a matter of choice, providing one has the financial means to provide good medical care, excellent quality of food, and the gift of time and attention.
We have two female senior cats, who will be 13 and 19 this coming year. At one time, we had three cats and one very large and loving dog. As the family members pass on , the dynamics of the relationships change. I find that our two remaining girls seem to be more interested in "competing" for lack of a better word, for our attention than when the family was larger. I'm sure that this is not the case with all companion animals , but that is what I have observed. Now that there are only two remaining, they seem to be more jealous of one another, particularly the younger cat, who was always best buddies with her canine sister. Has anyone else observed a behavior shift when pet kids pass on and the family decreases in size?
Thank you , Dr. Lee, for a very interesting and thought provoking topic. And the responses from each reader have been great and very interesting to read.
Peggy

Well, decreasing, no, but I can comment on the opposite, which can be the same in some ways, ( forgive the long read)
I face changing dynamics in Tuxedo House every day, recent closure of our business of 12 years has forced me back into the workforce full time to fund my continuing devotion to saving those I can responsibly manage. Still, this always means new cats, coming into the "house" with this range of personalities, from 4 year resident- "Vester" a 14 year old de-clawed who comforts me when I cry, and has no mean bone in his body, "Keehlala" and "Toe Toe" our founding residents, Kee the bad girl, was very dominant and would hold grudges against those who sat on my lap in her place, and Toe, who would steal the newcomers food.
Now, with the addition of some 1 year residents who each have their own requirements/needs for my attention ( for the moment, even more limited) they seem to have evolved into what I feel is an even more stable household, with less fights, and an amazing, seemingly shared agreement to share me, and my lap. "Prancess Sophia" is the least tolerant, and will occasionally squeal at one of the others if she feels crowded, and that behavior earns her a gentle transference to the floor, and the loss of my attention. The more I interact with them closely, either through brushing, or playtime, gently correcting the negative behavior with each other, and then praising both for their better attitudes, the more accepting of each other they all seem to be. The only exception to this, seems to be when they do not have enough to do, or a newcomer ( usually 6 mo. or older) wants a playmate, and no one is willing to, so they create some tension temporarily.
Possibly giving your seniors something to "do", to distract them from themselves, could help them find harmony? Likely, they are grieving for , and missing their former family members. I am a 100% believer in this, that cats can grieve. I've rescued a number of senior cats from the shelter, when nursing home residents were forced to let them go. Your situation is different,as they have their home and you, but their life has changed, bringing them fully into focus of ONLY one another. (Imagine a deserted island, and another person not of your choosing. You'd be lonely for companionship, even seek it out, but if that person drove you nuts, you would probably lash out at times)
I would suggest, some diversionary tactics are warranted, and could work quite well for you. If another new family member is not an option, the addition of a bird feeder, or water fountain, chipmunk station, or even some free flowing wind chimes outside a favorite window, where they can be distracted from each other at least some of the time ( of course, you need a two tier window station, so they dont have to be side by side or fight for space. Unless there are signs of "transference aggression" which this could make worse, I would hope it could help entertain and enrich their lives. Even a singing canary in a cage they can see and hear would be great.
Oh my gosh, I DO go on, still have cats to feed, so I am off, great seeing all the supportive comments from everyone. Good luck to you Peggy, PLEASE let us know if anything works!

Hi, Chance,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to reply in such detail. You are truly inspirational in your devotion to your rescued and very fortunate companion kitties.
I don't want to give the impression that there is constant aggression between our two remaining kitties, as there is not.
One very fortuitious thing that does help is that the younger of our two kitties is still able to jump very high, so I leave beds in high places so that when she wants to truly "get away", she is able to. The older kitty, who will be 19 this coming year, is very arthritic so she can no longer jump.
Since Cookie was the last one in the family, I feel that in the back of her mind, she still feels as though she has to "prove" herself and protect her turf. She has always been a bit jealous, and that is just magnified now since there is just her sister (not literally, but figuratively) remaining.
They each have their favorite toys, and I recently bought two "kitty condos", which I highly recommend. They are actually designed and billed as "doggie dorms" but work amazingly well for kitties. They are octagonal "pop out" structures which have a zippered top which is mesh and "windows' which are mesh, as well as two doors which zip open. Our older cat just LOVES these and spends a lot of time sleeping in her own "territory" in a cozy bed. She even prefers to eat in there, as she probably feels that it is her "space." They are quite large , large enough to contain a litter box, (if need be), a bed and feeder.
Thanks for all of the good advice "Achance4cats." Without you and the other people who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to loving animals , there would be many more who suffer and die without ever knowing the joy of belonging to a forever family.
Peggy

I missed an important note to my story. A PLAN. One MUST be prepared, keep stocked on food and litter(we keep4-6 mo. supply)and have a iron clad plan in the event of a job loss, illness, or the owners death as to what and who will take care of their brood. Ultimately, a life insurance policy, and designation in the owners will, is what they deserve. If you can't, then you should never have more than your immediate family can ( and will) accept into their homes should anything ever happen to you. Otherwise, having more than 2, might not be a good idea. Thanks

"checking the litter box to see if one cat has a urinary tract infection is more difficult when you have six cats."

This is true the moment you have more than one cat!

"Do you have any long-term cat companions who hate each other? What behavioral problems have you noticed?"

I've had a few spats here and there, but only one situation where the kitties had to be separated when, after living together for over a year, Winston decided that Clara was something to be killed. He spent a great deal of time trying to figure out how to get to her and was quite inventive. So WInston was put in a 15 x 15 room with his best buddy at night and Clara had the run of the house. During the day, Clara and her best friend were put in a 13 x 26 room and Winston had the run of the house.

That went on for five years. I tried reintroductions. I tried spray bottles. I tried Feliway. Nothing helped.

I never figured out the problem. After Clara left us and all the doors were opened, Winston spent a great deal of time slinking around looking for her, ready for the attack.

I am familiar with 2 "normal" households who have 10-14 cats, both are well kept, but they have discussed these same issues of aggression. One thing I have found is that "Felaway" or similar products, have actually increased the negative behavior, as well as catnip in a few individuals I have had. I really don't have an explanation (other than it's God's Plan) for my wonderful "Tuxedo House" residents. Even though their time with me has ranged from 5 years ( our original pair of rescued tuxedo's) to only a few weeks, the majority of them are with each other for about a year. Being black, and me being incredibly choosy about my applicants, I move most ( about 400 per year) that come through my hands directly on to partner rescues, keeping only the blacks that I see a common, amazing personality in, especially since I know I will have them however long it takes for adoption! When I find I have a new introduction that isn't sitting well with someone else, the transition cages in the room help me alternate "out time" until I observe they have accepted one another. I have just had a webcam donated, and it has sound! Can't wait to get it installed so I can "peek" in, and really freak everyone out when I speak out on bad behavior. lol
If I suspect someone is having trouble, ( as in possible bladder infection, usually resulting in unusual crankiness ) home or the rescue, I do one of two things: Get the suspected individual separate, and spend an hour with them and a litter-box, it usually wont take long for them to attempt more than once to go, if that wasn't possible, I would use the crystals you can purchase to put in the litter box that turn blue in the presence of certain bacteria associated with infection. I feel like this must be my intended path, as somehow I remain blessed with only minor health issues most of the time.

Well I have to agree with Dr. Lee that it's best not to have more than 5 cats for the reasons she stated (plus one critical reason that's missing, read on), UNLESS you're 200% dedicated just like aChance4Cats has demonstrated. But this is rare. One does need to dedicate time to acknowledging each cat. I learned they mirror you from early age. Talking to them, eye contact, scratching their heads, playing with them these are all important regardless of the number of cats. If there are 10+ cats, it's hard to do that.

A good friend has 13 cats and owns a two story townhouse. Some definitely do not get along and she has to keep them in separate bedrooms during the day and at night when she comes home but it's a spacious home. Her home is immaculate!!! We are both clean freaks.

I always had two cats as a firm believer in significant health and social benefits when cats have companions. But once I got involved in working with strays and kittens, well, eventually it becomes mission impossible to adopt out certain cats ie. older cats and black cats, hence we all end up with more than 2. Three was my limit. Then I had to settle for 5. But with two fosters now in my care, both adult black cats, I AM DETERMINED TO FIND THEM HOMES! I will not give up and use them as example that black cats are elegant and intelligent and lucky!!!! Hence I spearheaded the Black cat gala in Miami (www.riverfrontcats.com) to overturn misperceptions and elevate the black cat. Sorry I digress but I need to connect with AChance4cats now that I see we share a common interest & goal!!!

In a decent size two bedroom condo 1,200 sq. ft. my cats have plenty of horizontal room and I'm working on installing vertical spaces (but not easy since I'm NOT suppose to have any pets). [Kind of hard to hide cat towers if landlord stops by.] It's just me, no roomate or children. The cats and one dog are my children. However, I am worried that I would not detect any bathroom issues since I only have 3 litter boxes (cleaned out 3 times a day! plus I vaccuum daily!!! my home can never smell like cat.) So this does worry me.

But my biggest fear is in the event of a fire. Whether you live in a home or condo, it's impossible to gather all of them and run to safety. With 2 cats and a dog, I can place cats each in a carrier and have dog on leash and rush out. But how do I manage 5 cats? Worse 7 cats. It's impossible. People do not think about this. But after an incident where there was a fire in a neighboring condo of the same association building, serving on the board of directors I was able to enter the unit and see the aftermatch destruction of the entire kitchen in just 5 minutes! Thankfully security guards were able to extinguish it. But the owner and her dog never made it out of the condo and thankfully survived. Now remember, I lived in the building next to it. So I had witnessed residents rushing out when the alarm was not turned off. At that time I had two cats and dog. No problem. I had a plan.

But now I live on the 40th floor of a highrise. One night the alarm did go off at 2am and there was smoke in my hallway! Shockingly, I did not panic and learned that I can remain calm and think strategically. However in worse case, I would have stayed in the burning building with my pets and pray a safety net would await us below. Yes I would be risking my life. Some may call me stupid. My children are my children. I don't want them to suffer.

So what happened? Most of the cats were kittens then and hid under the bed where I could not get to them. So I was able to call concierge and he reassured me it was in the trash chute and Fire department was putting it out. Since then I've learned that I should find a way to place a blockage around the bottom of my bed at night. But in daytime, if strangers come in, they automatically know to hide there. I haven't done it yet and should! Then I need to have more cat carriers and just ask neighbors to help me carry them (neighbors who have no idea I have 7 cats) But I can't have 7 carriers lying around--and if they're unassembled, there's no time to assemble during a fire. I need to find homes for my fosters and pray we never have fire.

@MiamiAngel - so glad you are just as dedicated!

Let's all pray a fire escapes us ALL! I once had my hotel burn down to the ground once while traveling out of the country, and have to say that even as an emergency specialist - I freaked out! At least you have a contingency plan!

Would love to trade info, I threw the first "Black Cat Masquerade Ball" last October here for our local animal shelter. It was a great success. Sadly the new fundraising chair did not repeat the Ball this year. I'm off to play with kitties before work, but a quick suggestion ( for the emergency evac plan) and I need to take my own advice here, because you are right, carriers take time to assemble, even the clam shell type. So in limited condo space, you should be able to obtain a pack ( 10 I think ) of the collapsible cardboard carriers from any online pet retailer, or a local vet. Buyer beware, put one together a couple times, they assemble fast, once you get the hang of it.
No you're not crazy, I went as far as to make sure my family knew ( and they should ) not to mourn me if I were ever to perish saving my beloved babies. I WOULD go in without hesitation until I saved them all. My only solace is that I at least have those I love in 4 separate buildings, but home scares me the most by far.

A masquerade ball! Wow--I was thinking the same for an Italian theme. We did a French Hollywood theme last year--Le Chat Noir--everything was black and silver Great minds...

YES --the collapsible cardboard boxes! What a great solution! Why didn't I think of that? I guess I don't work in the rescue and TNR trenches as much since I'm constantly caring for 20 strays in my neighborhood and after recent tragedy of a cat getting electrocuted, I'm furiously working on a solution to prevent that from happening again. (it's on my blog www.riverfrontcats.com) Hence I had forgotten about my own cats for emergency plan and thankfully Dr. Lee's blog post reminded me of this important priority!

But I need to order those carboard carriers. THANK YOU!!!

MiamiAngel...you are truly just that...an angel.
I have to comment on the "kittens hiding under the bed", issue. My husband,who is handy, actually "boxed in" both of our beds with boards so that our girls could not hide in the event of a fire. (also makes is MUCH easier when taking them to the vet, as Dr. Lee, sadly, they both have "vet ESP" :) and used to hide under the bed prior to appointments, but they no longer have that option, which makes it much easier on Mom.) We also have the stickers on our windows listing our girls, their names, so that , God forbid, there should be a fire in our absence, the fire dept. will know to look for and call them by name.
Hope these suggestions are of use to other Moms and Dads out there.
Peggy

I have two neutered male cats. Both were rescues (from different organizations) and approximately 2-3 years old when I got them. I've had them for nearly 6 years now.

They still hate each other. They will TOLERATE one another, but will still have spats if they pass each other in the hallway.

Don Juan has been a sprayer since day 1. He also tries to mount Mr. Peanut. (Mr. Peanut hates this!) I've spent the last 6 years trying EVERYTHING to get Don Juan to stop spraying, but to no avail.

Tried liquid meds. He barfs them up.
Tried pills. If I can get them down, he barfs them up.
Tried gel meds rubbed into his ear. They didn't work.
Tried Feliway. Made him spray MORE.
Tried calming collar. Didn't work.
Tried Rescue Remedy drops. Didn't work.

We moved to a new house recently and for the move-in craziness, we confined the cats to the spare bedroom and I papered the bottom of the walls with puppy pads. They have full run of the house now, but Juan has (thankfully!) stuck to spraying on the puppy pads. He's only added one more spot to his spraying routine, a corner in the living room, and I've added pads to that wall.

So our current routine is "change the diapers!" and using the SpotBot to wash the carpets along the walls to catch any drips that may have gotten around the edges of the pads.

I know Thundershirts work well for anxious dogs. Do you think I could use a tiny one on Don Juan?

It's tough - Thundershirts are for dogs, and I can't imagine a cat would tolerate it well and wouldn't recommend it at this time...

Wow, I really admire your commitment to these boys! If more people had the patience, understanding, and TOLERANCE you possess in your little finger, shelters would not be overflowing as they are. In this throwaway society, I am always completely impressed to hear someone who stays the course.
I am going to email my special people list, and if I come up with any suggestions, I will post them here.
Amazingly enough, my only suggestion would shock most normal people, but I would suggest "fostering" for a rescue or shelter ( make sure it has been tested and cleared for disease) a healthy, young ( 4-6 mo) old spayed female. YES! Three's Company- One not too shy, and then I would play laser tag, or throw toys with the three of them. If one wants to be a poo and not play, he will find its hard to resist once he see's the others having fun. Just leave out the catnip if either is catnip aggressive. If it causes more discontent, you can simply return to the shelter, if it works out, you'll have a new family member. HAHA so that's my story, I have a gut feeling maybe these guys are actually lonely, but too dominant at heart to make friends, what are their signs? Just kidding!

I couldn't imagine giving him up. He is just a furry love machine and will gladly snuggle up to anyone, even complete strangers. We always joke that "If you have hands, Don Juan will love you." He's 99% awesome and 1% urine squirt gun. ;p

I watched some TTouch videos where they claim you can wrap a cat up in self-sticking bandages and do crazy massage stuff and it "cures" spraying, but I am dubious.

...I wouldn't mind another kitty... but we already have the 2 boys and a Cocker Spaniel in the house. The fostering idea is interesting, tho...

The best part is, you can see what works, and what doesn't. My intuition is saying a 5 mo. old girly, and a bunch of new toys. lol Have you tried "Cat Attract" in the litter boxes? Google it. It is also possible that your sprayer is claustrophobic, and fearful of the hooded box, if you have one. I have an ole boy who only pee's standing up, so the hooded boxes are a must.
A friend of 113 cat household uses a large steralite see-through tub, with a lid, and cut a hole about 8" off the floor, maybe if he could see out, and had plenty of room to manuever, he's go in a box? Just wondering. Occasionally, I get a newbie that likes to jump or attack the others when they emerge from the boxes, this can be very stressful for a slightly shy cat, possibly this even happened when they were young? It may have set the tone for their relationship early...

OMG, NOT a HUNDRED and thirteen! Not even I would endorse that! I meant to type 13 cat household, sorry !

For people who want cats as "family member pets," this may be the number, I don't know. As a rescuer, I have 8 indoor-only cats and no behavior problems. We TNR, put the adoptables into a foster network and keep the special needs kitties. We're at our limit, and that's important: there is a limit. I think most people with more than six cats that aren't hoarders are rescuers. The difference? Hoarders have a mental illness. Hoarders may believe they are rescuers: rescuers (in my experience) simply view themselves as responsible cat lovers. Rescuers do what they do because they have the time, the dedication to the animals, a plan for care of the animals to whom they commit, and the knowledge of how many they're able to care for properly in terms of time and money.

This is a most interesting topic. I have one cat at this time, and for the past few years, although I have had more in the past. My cat is a rescue, from outdoors, as winter was coming on. He was a half-starved kitten , a few months old, and he bonded with me greatly. He entered a multi-animal household, where he was not the alpha cat, and socialized very much as a cat. I divorced and took him with me, along with two other cats who had been with me for some time before this marriage. The others have passed on since, within a year of each other. This cat, now 14, has come into his own, acquiring a huge repertoire of meows, very interactive, highly intelligent and very loving, though still a bit wild. This would not have happened otherwise. Cats are able to be social, but they evolved as solitary predators; we should remember this. We should not have more cats than we can care for and love and nurture adequately. That seems obvious, but what about all the others out there? I thought at one time, a long time ago, that by having several cats I could avoid the sorrow at losing one. I found this did not work. We cannot save the world, but we can improve life in one-on-one interactions, whether with people or animals.

I have had the same three old men cats for 14 years. No aggression issues. 3 years ago I started feeding a colony of around 20 cats behind a local fast food restaurant. Another lady and I have done as many TNR's as we can get. A few manage to elude us. In the last year, I ended up with three ferals at my house, intending to to spay and neuter. My dog became suddenly ill with Parvo (yes he wad vaccinated). 3 months and 11,000 dollars later, he was well enough to come off weekly vet trips and cobalamin injections. The vet specialist did not expect my beautiful 11 month old dog to live. After intensive force feeding and much work he now lives up to his name of Chaos. In the meantime my three ferals had sort of got lost in the process and were quite happy living in my spare bedroom. Between two of them they had eight kittens. I had also somehow managed to drag a few more babies home from the feral site. Upshot, too many cats. Now I have managed to find 5 good homes. However at the moment I have my original 3 old men and 13 other cats. All spayed and neutered but I can find no homes. They range from 5 months to around 1 year old. I simply cannot bring myself to take them to the shelter as they are overrun with animals and would likely be euthanized. They live in two bedrooms baby gated so they can see what is going on during the day and at night when the dogs go to the bedroom with me, they get the house. Not ideal, but what other options are there? They are fed, have clean boxes, and I have seen no behavior issues. Does this make me a hoarder? Don't know what else to do except the next one at the colony who needs help has to go to the shelter. Any suggestions?

Gaye, you are not a "hoarder", you are a dear person who loves animals and can't bear to see them suffering or without a home. Thank Heavens for people like you.

I have 14 cats; many of the employees and customers at my veterinarian have over 10 cats each. While this is not ideal for an individual cat, it is quite possible to have many, healthy cats and a clean house. People are surprised how clean our house is with so many cats, especially that it does NOT smell of urine. I take in cats who need to be rescued, as do employees at my veterinarian Exclusively Cats Veterinary Hospital.

Although I am unemployed, my cats are very healthy. I resent the suggestion that anyone who has over 2 cats is a crazy cat hoarder. Who does this article purport to educate? I doubt a single person who has scores of cats would read, let alone be influenced, by this article. So the effect of the article is to support a stereotype that is damaging to both cats and to multiple cat owners. It also suggests that anyone who has 1 or 2 cats should not dare to take in another homeless cat or they face psychological, social, and physical disaster, and they will inevitably reek or cat urine.

Additional note to cat lovers: go to a veterinarian that is a cat lover or you may face the kinds of stereotypes that author/veterinarian Dr. Justine Lee subscribes to.

I have 5 cats.
4 are indoor strictly, the fifth (neutered male) is allowed outdoors.
By city law, I'm restricted to only 4 pets. My landlord has told Me to reduce it to 3 pets.
I HAVE been trying for a year to find someone to adopt Sassy, she's 1 yr old, but an ugly looking tortie. No one will adopt her.
I'm open to adopting out a gorgeous, 1/2 Persian, blue eyed beauty named Cleo. She's 3, and is little more than decor.
I'm a SWF, very late 20's.
This article is good, but makes certain animal lovers look bad.

I also house fosters, and when I discover a colony of ferals, I cannot help Myself.... I want to care for them somehow.
I recently discovered there are 3 kittens (appx 12 wks old) living in a drug store parking lot near My house. I don't know what to do! They are tame enough that I could catch 1, or 2, but I need help. I also need something better than "call the humane society" to go on once I do.
Any suggestions?

Contact Allie Cat Allies, the national organization for feral cats. They can help you!
www.alleycat.org/

As someone who has over 30 cats (all of which are outside, except for 5) I honestly agree with this post.
6 is too many.
The only reason I even have as many as I do, is because people seem to think it's okay to drop their cats off at our house UN-NEUTERED/SPAYED!!!!
We can't afford it, yet no one else seems to care.

Those cats eat better than my dad or I do! They never miss a meal, and we're lucky if we get to eat a small 'meal' once a day.

None of the shelters are excepting cats in the area, and we can't find anyone willing to 'adopt' any.

We try are best to keep them healthy. If they need to go to the vet, they go... but for all intense and purposes... they are barn cats. If they disappear, oh well. We didn't ask for them, and we can't get rid of them. Life goes on.

Some people may think that's wrong... but that's how it is. If they were actually OUR cats, it'd be a different story.

We keep our house clean. Litter box is changed every day. The cats don't pee in the house (thank God!), and they are all fixed. The only problem we have with them is the hair. SO. MUCH. HAIR! lol. The outside cats are another story entirely. Unfortunately, we have a very strong mold smell in our house due to one of our water pipes leaking, and we can't find it. :/ It smells horrible, and I almost wish it smelled of cat instead. lol At least then we'd know what it was from, and where it was. :P

We've been working on trying to get our outdoor cats fixed as well... but our money is tight, as I just lost my income and my dad will be getting his cut in half in a few months... I'm not even sure how we're going to pay our house payments let alone get the cats fixed or fed. :/

I have a good friend with financial means to care for many cats. He spends M-Th in one town, and then commutes back to his home. He has 17 cats at home, all of whom are immaculately cared for and extremely spoiled. They receive prompt veterinary attention from the best vets in the area and he does not smell of urine and his house is immaculate. He has an outside cat yard. The cats receive as much or as little attention as they desire (some are feral and don't want human contact).

We also share responsibility for the care of 2 feral colonies. These cats are treated better than many indoor only cats. They receive fresh water and canned and dry food twice daily. They also receive special meals on special occasions (for example torn up rotisserie chicken for Thanksgiving.) We have been feeding them for so long that most allow us to touch them and they get monthly Revolution. He spends about 3 hours after work interacting with them each day (he really has no other hobbies). I have an extremely hard time thinking of him as a "hoarder".

Sigh. :(

I show cats, and definitely have more than 6. As some other animal lovers mentioned, I am also a clean freak. Two cats would be the norm? Seriously? Most people who I personally know - other show people - 10+ is the norm. In fact among breeders, 20+ is the more, norm. And most show people - though you will occasionally find hoarders among them - take care of their cats better than they take care of themselves. In fact, I know more people that own 6 or more than people who don't. I don't trust someone who can't manage larger numbers of animals. How can they even manage one or two when the going gets tough, then?

And for the person who said "Owning multiple cats will make it hard to rescue them in the event of a fire" - rescuing ONE cat is extremely difficult in case of a fire. In case of a fire, ONE cat will run and hide.

Shaking my head. The ignorance among vets in our nation is utterly shocking.

I have 18 cats, and I understand that 18 would be way too many for some people, and the cats would be neglected, but my situation is totally different. My cats are always well fed. If I ever have to choose between buying myself food and buying my cats food, I would definitely put the cats before myself. They're all at healthy weight, and my boys are very muscular and look great. My cats actually never fight. I had one fight when I brought a new cat home, and that was it. Most of them (I have a couple antisocial ones who only like humans)are best friends and are always having fun playing together. My roommate and I are both home all day, every day, so we always have time to give everyone plenty of attention. I can afford any unexpected vet bills, too. I always notice if my cats are just a little sick. My little Starla has leukemia and got very sick before she moved in with me. I took her to the vet right away and they told me to get her euthanized. I refused because I wanted to try treating her longer and had a feeling that euthanasia would be the wrong choice, so they sent her home with a bunch of prescriptions, and I nursed her back to perfect health (as perfect as it can be while having leukemia). Even after that, the vet told me she'd still probably only make it a couple more weeks, but I kept taking good care of her and finished up her meds, and she's made it a few months so far and is still in great condition. She's happy and loves playing with her kitty friends Don't freak out. The others are vaccinated. My cats have had potty accidents before, of course, but it doesn't happen very often at all, and I always clean it up. The room that I keep the litter boxes in doesn't even smell bad because I keep them clean. And I definitely don't smell like a litter box. I think I'm a very good mother to all of my 18 cats. I agree that for most people, this would be a huge problem, but there are exceptions!