How do you decide when you have enough?

[catmandu]

I Have 12 Cats And Thats Enough As I Am Not 100 % In The Pink, And Might One Day Have To Go To An Apartment With Assisted Living.
Its Very Hard When I Know There Are Porchies Out There Who We Would Love, But We Do Have To Draw The Line Somewheres.
Sad To Say.

[Medusa]

Laura is right; you're already maxed out. If you've exceeded the city limit, you could face a real problem should someone decide to report you. One of the PTers got evicted from her apt. for just that very situation and is having to rehome some of her cats. I'd hate to see you have to do that. We all have soft hearts and want to rescue every cat that crosses our paths but it just isn't possible. Myself, I was comfortable at 4 but I took it to 8. Financially, it's been tough, especially when I was actively rescuing and had 27 outdoor cats that I was caring for. I don't know your age but I think about my cats outliving me since the average life span of an indoor cat is 17 1/2 years and I'm down to 7 now, the youngest of which is 3. And should one of them need major surgery, I've got to be sure I have the money set aside for it. So, there are lots of things to consider but my philosophy is "people first". Love your cats, help the ones you can and tell the people who try to pawn off their problems onto you that they need to step up to the plate and get busy and get their cats spayed and neutered. Everyone loves a little kitten but then they grow up and become cats and then suddenly no one wants them any more. They need to be responsible. Good luck.

[Freedom]

I think the city limit is the key factor for you.

But in another situation , i.e. MINE, where there is no limit on cats, just dogs, I know I can handle 8 cats. The few months I had 9 cats, both times, I've found it too overwhelming. The other thing is, Dad doesn't do much except play with them. (Alright, that is a big help, getting them tuckered out. ) But, if I get sicck, even jsut a 48 hour bug, I still ahve to haul myself up and feed them 3 times per day, scoop those boxes, and fill the water.

And as someone already mentioned, you have to plan for the emergencies and the old age illnesses. Last week, I had SIX pets taking pills and or eye drops. Today I just have 2, thank heavens. It was an all consuming hour long ordeal. Most of the pets have ended their course of treatment; Ruffles is no longer with us. And I am amazed at the amount of "free" time I have now that I am not dealing with her age issues. I am working hard not to add any more, as I am right at my limit now.

Hope all these ideas help.

[sirrahved]

Anyone know how to get ahold of city ordinances? I wanted to read exactly what it says, not just what we were told by the humane society.

I've found rather lengthy (20 pages) lists of ordinances that have to do with domestic pets, licensing, etc, but no information on pet limits at all.

[Catty1]

Call the switchboard at city hall, and they will direct you.