I’m looking to move to NYC with four cats (maybe 5) but a lot of my NYC friends say that it’s not realistic, do you think it’s possible? Here’s some context:

So I’ve lived in WNY my whole life and graduated university a year and a half ago. When I graduated, I moved out of my childhood house with my four cats to live in a 3 bedroom apartment with my now boyfriend and two roommates (a couple) and their cat (4f) (so we have 5 currently… I know it’s it’s insane lol.) I have an orange anxious boy (11m), two sister cats (both 10f), and my family’s cat (9f). I’ve raised them since they were kittens and they are incredibly bonded to me as I am with them. They’re all INDOOR, healthy, happy and have no bathroom problems. Their vet records are up to date. Sometimes they scratch furniture but they’re pretty good about using their posts and mats. I have them all on prescription food because the two sister cats suffered from bladder and kidney problems in the past, so those two do have special needs in that aspect, but I have them all on the same food for simplicity.

I’ve visited NYC multiple times and know how small apartments are and can be. I know that not all apartments have great window views too. We would most likely live in a 2-4 bedroom apartment. I think my boyfriend and roommates like the idea of moving out together to find a place, so that would be good because we’re all used to and love the cats but I’m worried about finding other roommates and LANDLORDS who would be okay with it. (My current landlords think we have two cats and never really check on that and us. Occasionally they walk thru but we’re pretty good on hiding 3 out of 5 cats).

What do you guys in NYC think? I know it’s insane how many we have currently but I needed those 4 to move out with me when I did, our childhood home had problems. Please be real with me. It breaks my heart to think about separating from my elderly cats and to possibly choose two over the other two. I feel like it would be harder for them than it would for me, but it hurts my heart to even think about it. I would only consider rehoming them to someone I know and would NEVER give them up to a shelter. Are there areas in NYC that seem more suitable for cat owners?

Can I move to NYC with 4 cats?