Kay-

It sounds like you have a wonderful spirit towards animals.
In the future, I can see you doing great things.
But, at the moment, ask yourself: What/where will I be in ten years?
At your age, although you sound very mature, it is hard to know.

I waited a long time, many years, before my lifestyle, deemed it logical to have cats. No matter how much I wanted them.

You limit yourself, and your possibilities by taking on the guardianship of a pet at this point in your life. (you can't count on parents taking over for you, it's not fair)
What if you get a job offer overseas?
What if you become a flight attendent and are only home 50% of the time?
These are only examples. So many possibilities.
Maybe you say: But, I never want to leave here, or do anything different.
We just don't know what the future holds. Many things we never imagined.

Secondly, I think Florida is just too brutally hot for outside cats. Why? Because I live in FL.
You will wage a constant battle with fleas. Frightening animals may draw near your enclosure.
Winters in FL? Well, I don't want my cats out in close to freezing weather.
Too cold for me, too cold for them.

I have foster cats. And while they have free range of an isolation bedroom, not in a cage, I am consumed with guilt about not spending as much time with them as I'd like.
I yearn for the day they come out of isolation and can be a part of the family.

Please, I urge you, wait until you can accept a cat, truly as a family member.

Patience. Your rewards will come to you.

Just my opinion.


Rose