Does Everyone Think You're Crazy?

[Purr-tender]

I have 8 cats, 5 came in the last 6 months, Momma Lily was pregnant and had 4 beautiful babies. She just walked out of my ferns one Saturday morning and I took her in. I love them all very, very much. My family (sister and brother who do not live with me)think that I have a problem and that I should get rid of them! First, let me tell you my home is clean, the litter is cleaned at least 2 to 3 times a day, and the cats are well fed. I am so tired of justifying keeping them. I did try very hard when the kittens where born to find good homes for them but the only takers wanted barn cats! I feel like some crazy cat collector, but I know that I am not. These are wonderful, sweet creatures that need and deserve a loving home. It does overwhelm me some days. And it is hard for my husband (not an animal lover)to tolerate. I guess I need to hear from those of you who have multiple cats how you deal with it all.

[kimlovescats]

There are many days that I question my own sanity as well! Then I see how happy and loved my babies are, and I know that I have done right by them! Thankfully, my hubby loves them as much as I do!

[catmandu]

Actually I have no family and the only people I deal with are the Librarians and Cashiers.
I really dont care at my age if anyone thinks I am sane or crazy, my Cats love me and I love them.
And thats all that matters in My World.

[Purr-tender]

I think that I could deal with this much better if I was as fortunate as you to have a husband that felt the same as I do. My husband is a great guy and my best friend, but this is one area where we don't fit.

[Catty1]

Well, maybe HE can find a good home for a couple of them?

[Purr-tender]

Catty, He did try. He checked with guys at work that he knew loved cats, but they were at their limit. He told me that he understands why I took momma in, but he just can't bond with them. All he sees is the fur and using the house as a scratching post.

[Catty1]

OK....I am glad he did try to find homes. I guess I was judgemental...sometimes people who complain don't try to solve the situation.

At least, the guys at work know who to contact!

Could he wear a t-shirt at work that says "Ask me About My Cats"?

I hope things work out!

[Anikaca77]

When I was rescuing cats people at my work called me crazy cat lady. I only at 4 at the time I was rescuing because I was just TNR or adopting out but then I ended up keeping one and well so now I have 5. Some people think that's too many but I don't think it is. I love my babies and they love me.

Melissa

[Abby&Buddy'sMom]

I dont think you are crazy at all, You seem to have a big heart for those kitties in need.

Most other people would "just get rid of them"

Some days I would like to have more, but I am afraid to disrupt our happy little family, as my 2 get along so very well.

[Purr-tender]

I honestly would love to go back to when it was just Big Mo and Callie, it was so much easier then. But I am so in love with this lastest crew I really cannot image not having them here with me. There is no doubt that Callie would love it like it used to be. Every evening it was her and me in the recliner, now when she comes in to sit with mom, someone else has my lap, and it's usually 2 of the babies. She jumps up, sees who is there, hisses and runs out of the room. It make me feel awful. At night she would sleep beside me, now I have to shut the bedroom door or we would have a bed full. Anyway, I know this will all work out and hopefully there still might be someone that I completely trust that will give the newest kids a wonderful forever home.

[Freedom]

I don't think you are crazy. How can I, when I have SEVEN! But yeah, people do think it is odd. Bah, they don't know what they are missing.

I was thinking about your immediate situation. Your husband. If he doesn't bond with them, that is one thing. But is he is being upset by them, then maybe think about what bothers him. You wrote that the cats are scratching up the house. Um . . . I would have a problem with that, too!

I have many shapes and sizes of scratching posts all through the house - just none in Dad's bedroom. All get used, often. The two oldest, I have replaced the rug on them. With this many cats, I find I just HAVE to have this stuff.

I often wonder about those "kitty starter kits" they sell. Litter pan, scoop, 2 plastic dishes (food and water), and maybe a catnip mouse. WHERE'S THE SCRATCHER? It is really a required thing with a cat. Sigh.

Because we have been spending so much time up at Dad's house this year, I bought another scratching post for up there as well. A tall, tall one with perches on it too.

And yes, I also have moments when I think I must have gone around Jupiter a time or two! But I just pick up and cuddle someone and that feeling disappears real fast.

[Purr-tender]

Freedom, the cats do have several scratching posts around the house and they are very good at using them. But my one little one, Squeak, is naughty and have caught him scratching the loveseat in the tv room. When I catch him or any of the others I tell them "NO" and move them to a post and take their paws and make scratches on the post to show them what I want. I even put catnip on the posts. My husband's feelings are very important to me, and it is very upsetting knowing that this is his home too. But what am I going to do with the babies. I have tried posting "wanted good homes" posters at my local vet's and my friend's (who is an animal lover, too) beauty shop, not to mention all the calls that I have made. But thanks to irresponsible owners not spaying and neutering their pets, all the "no kill" shelters are FULL and so many here are already caring for drop off cats and kittens!! I know that I did the right thing in taking in Momma Lily but I feel like it backfired on me. But I would not trade this experience with her and her babies for anything in the world!!

[CultureJunky]

I've been told by my Sister in law that I'm sad cause I'm always talking about cats and I look after the ferals with my mum, plus my own two.
But I don't care, it kind of hurt my feelings though.
But I think that people who don't have a bond with cats or any animal just don't understand what it's like.
They don't get what it's like to see them happy and contented, and they certainly don't get how it feels to have the company and companionship of a cat, how it makes you feel secure and how they interact.
I guess those kind of people are the ones that don't see that cats have personalities and are all individuals. The kind of people who think animals are 'dumb' cause they're an animal.
You're not crazy, you find happiness in having cats, I do, I know that having my two has made me feel so much better, they're there when I feel sad, when I feel happy, they make me happy.
I have depression and have had for years since I was very young, and I know that my cats bring me comfort and help me when I'm not well.
I think people who don't like animals are the crazy ones!

[K & L]

After we've now hit, I believe, the 30 mark...everyone has pretty much given up on lecturing us! Crazy? Yes! But we both love this so I do not justify my household anymore. Like you, my house is very clean, litters are clean, cats are fixed, shots, healthy, well fed, have access to a nice outdoor cat run, so to those that don't understand.

Our garage could really use some sprucing up, and as soon as we have some more funds, this will happen.

I say hats off to all who rescue, have even one cat, and LOVE these precious creatures!

[fragrancehound]

I get that from my boyfriend too! I simply tell him that they are my babies. Quite frankly I like animals a lot more than humans these days,