Tara:
If you love the pet and it brings you joy, then life is too short to deny yourself a companion pet.
Will some hobbyists, who are too tightly wound and fastidous, stop seeing you because you have a kitten? Maybe, but if they are that obsseive compulsive then chances are they would eventually find another excuse. As for me, if you are providing great services, and you are respectful of your clients boundries, then everything should be ok.