Definition of a cat/pet "hoarder"

Pet hoarders are usually people who have an actual mental illness. A lot of them do not 'see' that the animals they have are in bad condition, and they usually mean well. They'll take in cats that they can't afford to have spayed/neutered and can't afford to feed. They'll take in more animals than they can clean up after, and more animals than they can provide medical care for. The conditions quickly turn sour and the person thinks they're doing well for the animals and can't see that it's going wrong. Other people are so afraid for the animals to be in a shelter and possibly be put down that they simply refuse to give up any of the cats and actually end up providing them with a worse fate than euthanasia ever could be. So to answer the question: No. Ten cats, though more than I'd like to have probably, is not too many if they're well fed, watered, and taken care of in an orderly and sanitary environment.

I sincerely hope that doesn't classify someone as a hoarder, because I have 12 very spoiled and well fed kitties! I think the term hoarder refers to someone who collects animals, either out of pity or need, that does not or cannot take care of them. I've seen on tv where animal control has confronted people who've had as little as 6 cats, and termed them hoarders because of the condition of the animals and the lack of proper care .