Why do I feel like this after loosing my cat

[AtLastEarwax]

My cat was 20 and had a stroke. She was my only pet and my gorgeous girl. She was put down today after seriously deteriorating overnight loosing control of her bladder.

Now though I am looking for a house rabbit for the kids. I've always said I have wanted a rabbit for them I would never get another cat.

Is this normal?

I'm asking myself...

Am I doing this to replace her? Do I need a new pet? Is this too soon? Why am I excited to look at pictures of them and thinking about a name? Do I still love her now? I'm confused, I'm still thinking she is upstairs now.

It was the right thing but honestly I cant wait to get her ashes back. I want her back with me ASAP

I know this is a jumbled message but I feel like laughing and getting all excited about bunnies but then sobbing until I fall asleep. Wtf??

Im so sorry for your loss. That is a long life and a very strong bond you must have had with her

Everybody grieves differently. Looking for rabbits I suppose is a great distraction. It doesn't mean that you are doing it to replace your cat, that you love her any less or that you're wrong for laughing and feeling excitement.

This is obviously how you are handling things, and that is perfectly okay! You say you have always wanted a rabbit so it's not like you're just being impulsive.

I hope you get her ashes back quickly so you can rest a bit knowing she is back home.

There's nothing wrong with how you are
I would be the same.
But I know I wouldn't be replacing her if I did that either
Some people can't understand it but it doesn't mean it's wrong

Sorry for your loss.

You are grieving a member of your family who happened to be a cat.
If looking at rabbit helps then that's what works for you.

Sorry for your loss..
Rabbits are hard work indoors op...
Ime.

Thankyou she has been more with me in my life than without. She has groomed all the kids as babies. I trusted her 100000% with them. We trusted each other, we loved and respected each other. I earned her love and that's what cats want

No the rabbit isn't an impulsive thing, the kids would love it. Millie was 'ours' as in me and DH's in a way. She slept on our bed and as an old lady didn't bother coming downstairs much. She had a litter tray and food upstairs. The rabbit would be for the kids, though I know they don't last long it's different to a dog or a cat

@Easterbunnygettingready

Sorry for your loss.. Rabbits are hard work indoors op... Ime.

As in maintenance/cleaning??

I’m so sorry.

There are no rules, or rights or wrongs with grief. Whatever it takes to get you through the time you need, no matter how long that is.

Oh dear a rabbit can live up to 10 years, even longer
I have to say it doesn't sound like you've researched?!

So sorry 😞 I've had cats for my whole life, I think the longest I've been without one is around 3 days. Its shit when they go. Heartbreaking every time.

Rabbits are amazing pets. A friend of mine has five! They shouldn't be kept in a hutch outside. There is also a lot of work involved in making sure they are happy. Its different to cats and dogs.

Just give yourself time. Don't jump into it to fill the Millie shaped hole. Let yourself miss her and grieve her before deciding on anything.

Cats (and any pets) are a huge part of our lives and we shouldn't minimise the impact losing them has.

There are no rights or wrongs with grieving. I still grieve 6 years on. Deeply. (Dog but still a wee family member). I can still cry if I allow myself to. And yes, it comforted me to know she was back home when her wee casket was returned. It may sound silly to some but so many here would understand.

Grief is merely the price you pay for love.

And a new pet isn’t because you are replacing your old pet - they are just another recipient for your love.

Wishing you smiles of happy memories through your tears

No I haven't done my research on a rabbit yet as I haven't had chance. Before I get any pet though I make sure I know everything and get everything. I love everything to be organised and in place ready.

Hunter you are right, nothing can fill a Millie shaped hole. It never will, ever.

I just don't like the house without a pet though, it feels odd

Tbh rabbits aren't particularly fond of dc... They are however fond of wires and cables. And carpets.

Upon research- me and dh both scouring to find out everything we are wondering about guinea pigs now??

Sorry for your loss OP. I lost a cat last week, and one in September - but still have three!!!!!

I've only been completely without a pet for a few weeks, and it really was the most horrible time. You can never replace them, but your heart embraces a new friend.

So sorry for your loss OP. I'm a chronic long term pet owner who always states 'never again!'... But then either through chance (a rehoming/caving and falling for a new pet) we end up with a 'something needing a someone'. Bunnies are very much a law unto themselves. You'll as much likely end up with a cuddly bun as a 'leave me alone biter'. Guineas I've had were always as a pair and very vocal. Some liked handling some not so much! Rats are highly intelligent and can be trained to answer to name/will snuggle on shoulders. We also had a couple of lovely budgies who were loads of fun (I didn't think they'd be very interactive with DC - but they were). Hamsters I always felt a bit sad for and we had one that escaped frequently. We also had a snake that was quite a character.

Sorry for your loss OP, that must've been really hard but certainly sounds like the right decision

Rabbits are really hard work, will destroy all cables and skirting boards and table legs. They aren't very good pets for children either, they're often scared and don't like loud noise and as a PP said they live for around 10 years

Guinea pigs are wonderful and are happy living indoors in a large pen, not a small pet shop indoor cage. But they have quite specific needs and YOU must be fully responsible for their care and wellbeing, not your children alone. I have 3 and they require a lot of effort, definitely more than a cat. I adore them though and love looking after them well. You must do plenty of research before deciding.

Thankyou everyone.

I wear glasses so in my blurry vision, woke up this morning and pair of black leggings on the bed caught my eye (I couldn't be bothered to sort them out yesterday) and for one second thought it was Millie.

I've gone off a rabbit now - after research lol like I said I don't do things lightly and i do like to have the best for my pets. Had to have the designer coop for the chickens, best fish tank for the fish so gives me time to research that as well! Need the product that sings and all dances for them

I'm open to any ideas really - anything but a spider

I don't need a pair of anything I'm happy to have like one animal on it's own like a parrot

No to caged birds OP. Just so cruel. You WOULD need a pair of guinea pigs. They are a herd animal and it's totally unfair to keep one just because you decide you don't need two.