Welcome to pet talk. I say 13 is just about the right number...

OK, so maybe not everyone thinks 13 is their perfect number, but it is the number I currently have. (Not including my foster mom cat and 4 babies). We live in a 5 BR, 3 story home.

BUT.....
When we lived in a 1 BR appartment, we did have 6 cats.

Now, as for the cats at your parents. If you can find it in your heart to let them stay there, a place they know and no doubt love, that would be my first choice. (especially if the female you wish to bring would have a tough time relating to new additions)

As for strays wanting to live totally indoors.
At least 2 of my cats came right off the streets and they would not even DREAM of going outside again. They are perfectly content. All if the cats are strictly indoors and I do not believe they are sad in the least.
I will mention one thing though. My foster Bonnie came from outside and her first hours in my house were frightening for her. But she calmed down and it only took her 2 weeks to become a very freindly, thankful to be inside, cat.


Can't wait to hear more about your decisions. Good luck.