You are right about the need. In fact, I would say it's more than a
cat need (ie, a need for a type of relationship with a cat). I live
alone and don't have a partner, and I feel extremely touch and affection-
deprived. Cats fulfill that need more than any human does at this point.
And I've noticed that since I've had Everett, I've felt much less longing
for hugs and cuddles from people. He really is wonderful that way.

But the truth is, I cannot keep him. That makes me sad, but it's the
truth. He might not intend to go anywhere (and I do think he'd be
perfectly happy to stay), but I can't manage with 4 cats. I really
can't. I wish I could. Wish I could work part-time, or could afford
to hire a regular housekeeper to come every week. Or that my company
would let me work at home even *one* day a week. Any of those things
would make it easier for me to deal with all the work it takes to
care for 4 cats - the complicated feedings, shutting this one and
that one in different rooms, the endless cleaning of cat litter, both
in the box and all over the floor. I could just barely manage this
before Everett, but with a rambunctious, typically destructive kitten,
it's almost impossible.

And then there's the money commitment. I take this very seriously.
I'm not so sure I can afford to commit to paying for the health needs
of 4 cats. Roxy's health care costs a lot because she has herpes.
Smudge has a cat fight about once every 4-6 months, and that can
get expensive. Now Licky has health problems. And Everett has a leaky
eye and might also have herpes (he hasn't been tested).

We talk on this NG about people who, while well-meaning, end up having
more pets than they can care for, and everyone's health and well-being
suffers for it. I've heard people say many times on this NG that if you
can't afford to take care of an animal, you shouldn't adopt one. I'm
trying to be responsible here and make the right choice. I don't think
I can afford to commit to paying for another cat's possibly high vet
bills. I don't think I should make a commitment that I'm not sure I can
keep. Fostering's different because it's temporary, I can back out if
I need to, and I don't have to pay the vet bills. If Licky hadn't
gotten sick, I would have continued to foster Everett until he got
adopted. <sigh...>

And then there's the fact that I live in rental housing, owned by
someone who thinks I have two cats. He doesn't know about Licky, much
less Everett. And what if I have to move at some point? There's a lot
of pet-owner discrimination in housing around here, and I think it'd
be pretty hard to find a new place with 4 cats in tow.

If I had more money and could hire household help, if I owned my own
home with more space - then I'd have more cats. I love having lots of
cats. But I don't want to get in over my head. That wouldn't be good
for anyone - not for me, not for Everett, and not for my other sweeties,
either.

Thanks for listening.

Joyce - right now cuddled up with Miss Roxy

Stinky was a mushcat from day one, even while he was a highly energetic
troublemaker. ;)  In fact, I think that's what kept me from being driven
absolutely to drink by some of his shenanigans.  He would lay waste to the
entire house, then crawl up into my lap and melt me down with purrs. ;)

Dante is a bit different.  He is busy and playful and into things, and while
he's not as intrusive (and destructive!) as Stinky was, he's just a busy
guy.  Stinky would tear the house down, then ooze into a little puddle of
purrs.  But even when Dante's in my lap, he's always moving around, kneading
and pawing and shiatsu-ing my legs.

Kyla =^..^= wrote:

I have been thinking of this thread all night long and it has really
bothered me. The sound your cats are making is made by pushing air out
through the vocal cords. If you are pushing air out and holding them
like that, they can't take air in. I know you would never hurt your cats
intentionally, and I know you aren't even close to breaking their ribs,
but I didn't know if you realized what you were doing. This is not meant
to be harsh or a flame. I was just really bothered by what you said, so
it may sound severe but my tone is really that of a loving cat slave to
another loving cat slave and if no one explains it then you would never
know.

Purrs,
Bridget