I hear you! My parents are on my case about how many animals I have. I still haven't told them about my new baby because I know they'll moan and groan about it. The key is to surprise them with her, then they won't be able to resist her! Working at an animal shelter changes your perspective on things though. I have 2 'normal' cats, 2 handicapped cats and 2 dogs - one big and one little. I've opened my home to animals that no one else wanted or could care for, and I am so thankful to be able to do that. I spend a lot of money on food, but I do get vet care at no cost for all my babies.
People like us, animal people, will never understand non-animal people. I've come to accept that and don't care what other's say about the number of animals I have.
__________________  "You become responsible forever for what you have tamed." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery |