how many cats are too many

Question
Hello, I breed Persian cats on a very small scale as a hobby. Many times people buy a kitten from me and then come back to me later wanting another. Some of them already have a cat or 2 at home before getting one of mine. I am asked many times by people, how many is too many. I know that cats are not pack animals so I do get concerned that they may be getting to many and may add stress to the cats. I don't like to turn people away but I also do not think it is as healthy or the cats are as happy with too many other cats around. Could you please give me your opinion on this. Thanks so much for your time. Linda

Answer
The rule of thumb according to research done is 120 square feet of living space per cat.
I think anything over 3 or 4 should be the limit, but that's MY opinion, not a professional one.

Make sure you do a home visit before you sell any of your cats. That's the only way you will know if they are going into a home that can support them properly. If these are high quality, show quality cats, that's the only way you should home them.

I understand wanting to keep a certain breed going, but do you feel that breeding, even as a hobby, is a good thing to continue considering the millions of unwanted, homeless cats - both mixed and purebred?

Something to consider...
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I didn't mean to offend Linda but as a Sworn Pet Advocate I would remiss if I didn't mention it. I know that most cat breeders are not irresponsible about breeding but I worry about the people they sell to- not you but any breeder. If the problem out there was just mixed breed cats that's one thing but purebreds end up in shelters at alarming rates. Someone has to be the voice of the millions that don't have one- I am just one of thousands trying to be a voice.
Again, it wasn't meant to offend but to stimulate thought.