Anyone decided to give up pets? Stories? Pros cons?

[blondezilla]

I think its clear that pets can come. But should they?
We have two cats that are pretty young. We plan to eventually cruise all the frilly islands, but husband will be attending MMI in Orlando for around a year.

I have read about feral cats chowing down on wild birds, sea turtles, some wild mice are now endangered. They say all ya need is a rabies cert and a health guarantee...
But I gota wonder.
Are we going to be the people who get the evil eye at the marina for cats that get out from time to time? God forbid they pounce on a wild bird or come down the wharf with a sea turtle in their mouth. I used to live in Florida and know how serious people are about sea turtles, as they should be.
Had anyone decided to take pets and then realized it was a mistake.
What made you change your mind or see that it wasn't going to be a good idea.
Id like some input here, share personal experiences etc.
Thanks...
We have some time to decide but I was always assuming taking them aboard would be no thing. Now that I have had a chance to look at the big picture. They won't be able to hang out at a marina, they won't be able to get off the boat, like ever. Maybe local islands somewhere, but people can always complain about that, and that would be few and far between. People bring dogs and what not.
I guess it just didn't hit me that they would never get off the boat. It sort of changes everything for me. It's not like I can sling a leash around them and take them for a walk.

hmmmm