BIG Decision made... and I'm sticking to it!!!

[kimlovescats]

My hubby and I have made a decision ... and this time we MUST stick with it!!!!!!!

We have decided to no longer take in homeless kitties, but we have also decided not to place any of the ones currently living with us. So, our current Cat Family has now reached and will remain at 22.

We have found and learned that we and these kitties are so bonded, that we could not bare to part with them, and we feel that they would have difficulties in leaving our home as well. I know that the younger ones would do better, but when I am strong enough to say "so and so" needs to go now, then my hubby says "NO, not so and so!!"

Hence, we have made a pact to eachother and our 22 cats, that this is it!!! We are a great big happy family, and we don't care what others who wouldn't understand think!!!!

(NOTE: NO, we are NOT "hoarders" .... if ever we should get to the point that our cats were suffering in any way, we would immediately place them for adoption with another rescue program!)

[catcrazylady]

Kim I just don't know what to say. I have always known that I could not give them up after I had cared for them like you do. I admire your strength but I more than anything can understand why you don't want to adopt them out anymore. I never feel like anyone can love them like me so I would never be able to find the right person and that would mean I would never give up any cat!!!
As for having 22 cats...I'm jealous!! I have finally reached a point in my life where I don't care what people think about me and my cats. I know I only have nine but I really don't feel like I'm done.
If you don't want to come to my house because of hair then don't. If you think I'm some kind of nut then think it. I'm old enough now to realize that my time is limited and in the end I will answer only to God. He knows my heart and he made me this way so it must be ok.
As for you not taking in anymore stray kitties...ummm...that will remain to be seen!! It's hard to turn them away.
Don't feel guilty about your decision either. You have done more than your share and still are with your 22 kitties.
I bet it feels good to have jointly made that decision and have the pressure off.
God Bless you Kim and I look forward to many years of pictures and stories about your fur babies!!

[kimlovescats]

Well, after 38 views .. someone finally had something to say, and something very nice and understanding I might add! THANK YOU SO MUCH, Lisa ... for being the kind of person who is willing to and does understand! I feel the same way about my life and time here on this earth .... and I know that my Father in Heaven brought each and every one of these babies to me for His purpose! Like you said, I care very little about what humans think of me anymore .... and I wouldn't care if I never had another human visitor to my house! Because a house without my cats is JUST THAT ... a HOUSE ... NOT a HOME!!!

[Soledad]

Kim, you've done more than enough for the kitty cat community to warrant this decision. You're a saint and I hope you and your family can live in harmony!

[catcrazylady]

Your very welcome and I do understand. I'm sure a lot of others do to. I think you will be getting lots of responses and I think they will all be supportive.
Taking care of these babies, falling in love, and then giving them away is emotionally taxing. You and your hubby know that you are to in love with your remaining babies to give them up. You also know that it will continue this way with each and every one of them that may come in the future. NO ONE can hold against you the fact that you have a HUGE and LOVING HEART. It will be ok and it is ok!! Don't feel guilty!!! You have no reason too.

[Laura's Babies]

I could not give them up and I am jealous too of you being able to have so many. Your HOME must be Heaven! One to love on all day in your arms, a bed full at night, the crazy antics of them playing to entertain you and ALWAY, someone to talk to when you need somebody to listen but not judge you.

My dream, for when I retire, is to be able to have as many as I want and a nice place to keep them, a warm, dry home. Money to care for them and I will gladly be their slave! You are so luck to have a partner that loves them as much as you do and I say to the both of you, GO GUYS GO! (good luck sticking to only 22!)

[carole]

Simply WONDERFUL news kim, I am so happy for you and all your precious furbabies, how is that sweet Angel (capturer of my heart)
doing?
You have done such a lot for many kitties in your life, each and everyone of them has been blessed to be with you, there sure is no shame in retiring, but yes I wish you good luck (coz you are going to need it) with sticking to your guns, at 22 kitties lol.

[jenluckenbach]

Good luck with your decision. I wish you the best.

[moosmom]

CCL,

I know I only have nine

I have finally reached a point in my life where I don't care what people think about me and my cats. I know I only have nine but I really don't feel like I'm done.
If you don't want to come to my house because of hair then don't. If you think I'm some kind of nut then think it. I'm old enough now to realize that my time is limited and in the end I will answer only to God. He knows my heart and he made me this way so it must be ok.

AMEN TO THAT!!!

Kim,

I respect your decision. I have also stopped at 8. I've found that by not fostering anymore, my furbabies are healthy, happy and not so stressed. Plus my uncertain financial situation right now does not allow me to afford anymore mouths to feed.

Hang in there. You've done a great job and I'm proud of you!

[kimlovescats]

Thank you so much, Carole, Laura and Jen!

Donna - What you said about not stressing them any more or risking their health further is a MAJOR point in my decision!!!!
Most everyone here knows that we have had major outbreaks and battles with URI, then diarrhea with the newborns, and then the Ringworm thing. Plus, as I recently have mentioned, my "BABY" (Tucker) is so stressed he is pulling his hair out! I cannot bring in any more competition or illness. However, the ones that I have brought in, are used to their lives now, and to move them again would only bring out more stress and illnesses in them. I know that now for a fact! I feel comfortable now that no "new" illnesses will be creeping in to my home, so what each of them has or has had will be the end of it. I thank GOD that none of them has been diagnosed with FELV or FIV!!!

We each have to make our own decisions in life, and although we don't always agree with the decisions of others, it is nice to know that some people support you!!!

[K & L]

Kim, we can relate to what you're saying and feeling, that's why we have 17 ourselves and cannot foster. We get way too attached. You've done a wonderful job and you know your limit!

[kimlovescats]

Thank you K&L ..... yep, just 5 more and you'll be "even" with us! No, but I do understand why you have to walk away from some of them at the park, and how heartwrenching that is for you to do!!!

[Lorraine]

How wonderful! I think that is GREAT!! A house full of love!
I look forward to seeing more pictures of them!

[AvaJoy]

You have my support and understanding, too.

It is good that you and your husband can agree on this. My husband and I don't see eye to eye because my arms are still open to adopting more cats, but he has put his foot down at the six we have now. He takes Allegra every day due to allergies, so I guess I should be grateful that I can have as many as I do. I am the primary caregiver, but he enjoys them all and will readily feed, play, scoop, take to vet, etc. Maybe I can persuade him to allow just one more someday . . .

Bless you for taking so many fortunate kitties under your wing!

[Miss Meow]

Good for you!

You've done so much for animals that you are more than entitled to a little 'rest', if having 22 cats can be called a rest! I think the stability will be good for your cats too