Jesus tap dancing Christ. You have to draw the line somewhere OP. I mean, seriously...8 cats?? Unacceptable.

Cats... Definitely cats...

First, I would try to convince her to adopt out most of the cats, because 8 cats are not going to get enough care or attention that they need from an old lady with hip problems. Then I would talk to her about picking up after herself. I don't really think you can do anything about the constant complaining. Some people are going to complain no matter what. Good luck and don't get pushed around in your own house. Talk with your wife and set some rules. Definitely don't let it drive your marriage down.

Some of you are dissing the cats... We don't know the whole story about them. It could be a mother cat with a litter or maybe the lady was in animal rescue before. Regardless, if OP and spouse had a decent relationship with this lady, they would have known about the animals (and the mother in laws tendencies) IMO YDI

The worst part is that nine ******* you are not interested in will interfere (if not totally cockblock) with your access to the one you are.

Is she that lonely?

That's a CATastrophe, Now isn't it? -Old But Gold-

She can't help the cat problem, as a pet owner you just can't leave them by themselves. Though asking her to clean after them wouldn't be too much....

I feel ya my boyfriends mom has like 13 cats!

Well at least you'll have 8 new friends who can talk to meow.