I am stating all of this to point out that, yes, I’m excessive, but, in the end, my household is taking very good care of the animals we have, are able to afford their physical health and mental health. I, most likely, would not have so many beasts if I didn’t work from home, however, it all balances out in the end (and no, I’m definately NOT getting more). Everyone in my household has also been around when adoption has taken place (over the years, we have ages ranging from 4 months, 2 years, 3 years, 7 years (dog), 9 years, 10 years (don’t know the hamster or birds actual ages (likely a year, hamster can live 5 years, birds 10-15). The cats are all from various animal rescue foundations, which have been researched and often donated to. I can’t do a rescue myself, since I would become too attached to the animal. The dog was well researched for her breed, the actual breeder and type (she is a purebred collie, well known to be comfortable with cats and children).

So, I am pointing out that “too many pets” can be between 1 and whatever a person feels comfortable taking care of. My main question is… what makes too many plants? Plants require pruning, watering, food, repotting and care, as well, yet no one seems to make a big deal when someone has a house covered in the green (yes, I know, there is no scat/urine to contend with, and no daily chores to do, but my point is still there, they are living things, often neglected). I have none, since I would most likely kill any, and would have to research to make sure they would be safe in my environment.

For the record: My dog sleeps on my bed, eats scraps from the table (which is actually healthy for her) and is throughly spoiled. The cats are allowed on the table, eat scraps and have a variety of toys and “personal” beds tucked under furniture. The birds cage is large enough to “house 10 comfortably”, since I learned that you should get the biggest cage you can afford (if I did that…) and the hamster… is just spoiled. It’s all a matter of perspective about what is right.

My boyfriend and I currently have two cats. Milton and O’Mally. We had decided on a cat because we’re both animal people and it is easier to relocate with a cat than it is a dog (college and finding the perfect job). Mind you, as soon as we buy a house we will have a dog. We got Milton on New Years day, took him home at 6 months old, and he was just amazing. Then for my birthday present we adopted our Mally, eight months old, from a local resue group that found him freezing and starving to death under a car. It took about 6 months for Milton to adjust (He was a spoiled only child for awile) but now they’re the best of friends and do everything together. Both are neutered and up to date on their shots, and love to play in my clean laundry or hang from the clothes rack (It’s be repaired a few times) but both are as different as night and day. I never would have pictured myself as a cat owner in the past but now I wouldn’t be happy without them. I thought I was done with additions for awile.

Now the shelter is overrun with cats so I started looking up how many was too many because I fell in love with one named Samuel. We both have large hearts and we would never take in an animal for the wrong reason but I think that as long as you have love to give (including finances for all the needs) you should never pass up the opportunity to take in a rescue animal. Its a long transition road but it’s definitely worth it. I wouldn’t think that 3 cats is too many but it’s really great to read what you all have had to say, especially the ones that have three and admit that two is more managable. Thanks for a great read.

But in the end, its about being able to care and manage your animals.

If you can do that, give them love, and never sacrifice when they are in need you are a better pet owner than alot of people!!

Good luck to you guys!

If you have the time, money, space and love – I don’t see the issue.

Its when people don’t have those things.

Its not fair to have pets that you can’t take care off.

I wish you guys luck!

I have 4 cats (2 of which aren’t mine personally, but I am fostering for relatives) and 2 dogs. I had another cat, but we lost him Thursday to kidney failure. He was 16 years old, but I rescued him 5 years ago from The Humane Society. We had him on Sub-Q fluids (weekly) for a little over a year. This actually prolonged his life by an entire year! I miss him dearly..

My husband and I live on 1/3 Acre ALL GARDEN. Our street is very quiet and we bought this house FOR our cats and dogs. We had 2 cats indoors for 8 years. I love them so much and thought they would enjoy life a bit more if they could be indoor/outdoor. So far, so good. All of my pets are well cared for. They are flea treated, up-to-date on vacs, eat high quality food, groomed, even get their teeth cleaned!

I haven’t any children, nor do we intend to. I am home all day due to Anxiety Disorders also. I am thinking of adding another small dog to my brew, but not sure yet.

I thought that maybe my need to “rescue” might be due to some mental disorder? Or am I just a lover of animals? Where do you draw the line?

sometimes I think I should get that one extra box. . . . . .

I have a room downstairs in my basement that is the “cat bathroom” – so it doesn’t effect much of the rest of the house (which is good)