Anyone have experience with animal control?

Different areas have different animal control laws. But yes, if they do not have a warrant you don't have to let them in - however, they WILL come back with one and then you must let them in or be held in contempt of court. Some areas allow you to have over the limit if you apply for a special kennel license. Others make no exceptions. Not cooperating won't really benefit anyone, as once you are on their radar they may be back unexpectedly (and with a warrant). Prior to their getting there, why don't you call and explain the situation and see what your alternatives are. This is really considered a zoning violation and as such, civil disobedience is not a defense, and that is rarely a defense anyway. Even non-payment of parking tickets (once considered an act of civil disobedience) can get you thrown in jail. And sometimes it's the Heath Department who comes - the limit to a number of pets in a household is generally one of public health and not one of animal welfare. And the Health Bureau generally has a lot more power than AC does. Animal feces (like from dogs in a yard) and even indoor cat hoarder situations are a public health nuisance, and not taken lightly. Yes, I know your cats sound clean and cared for, but that is not always the situation, and they will investigate. And as I said, if they come back with a warrant, it's often a surprise visit, just so that you cannot hide the cats/dogs/filth that they are concerned with.

Why would you have 7 cats if you were told that 2 per household is the limit? Even if you're allowed to have 1-2 over the limit, you have more than that. I'm not sure what you want us to tell you. You broke the rules, and whether the cats are well cared for or not doesn't matter. You can't just do as you please and expect to get a free pass. You are not special, why should you be allowed to break rules others are expected to follow? They will likely give you a time limit to rehome the extra cats you aren't allowed to have. After that time if you still haven't complied you will likely be slapped with a fine. The end of it will be them coming in and taking cats if you still don't comply. Follow the rules or move somewhere that allows you to have 7 cats.

I get a lot of calls from the Humane Society about adopting and fostering. I don’t know if they are who you refer to as animal control. Generally, their attitude is not necessarily quantity but quality (of care). The usual statement I hear is “some people can have only 1-2 pets and they are severely neglected. Whereas others can have up to 12 (on a farm, let’s say) and they are all well cared for.” In your case it may have been one animal hoarder who messed it up for everyone. We had someone like that were I live; we even donated money to her and she used the donations to buy houses for herself and her daughter while her animals were left neglected and starving.

Hide them. Sadly, when it comes to animals, courts won't give a ****. You could murder 3 dogs and they wouldn't bat an eye. They don't care that you care for your cats properly. Best bet would be to hide them when animal control comes. You could try and fight it in court but you won't get very far. Usually, they will give you a time limit but again, just hide them. Also, when it comes to your step-sister-in-law, perhaps file for a restraining order?

Its not spiteful. She was correct to call AC since you are well over our limit. You broke the law and have to get rid of the cats or AC will take them all and you will not be allowed to adopt from any local shelter or rescue

No because unlike you I'm not a hoarder breaking the laws. Why do you think you're above the rules?

Get a kennel licence. Its the only way to keep all your kitties.