Getting another cat after loss

[HunBunWun]

We lost our beautiful 16 month old cat 4 weeks ago. She was killed on the road and handed in to our local RSPCA, so we got the dreaded phone call from them to say she was dead. We were (and still are) absolutely devastated and still can't believe she's gone. I keep going over how it happened, why she wandered so far away, was she in pain, could she have been saved if she'd been found sooner? My husband thinks we should get an older rescue cat and we've even been to look at one. We did fall in love with her and think it would help us to have another cat to love and give a home to, but I know my daughter is still struggling with the loss of our cat and says she feels it is too soon to get another one. Are we being selfish considering getting another one? Should we wait or just hope that another one would help us all move on with our grieving? Obviously we will never forget our little cat, and never want to.

Imo a dcat shaped hole awaits a needy dcat.
Why wait?
We had 2 db's and 1 died. Didn't want a dkitten but dcat was so depressed we got one. Instant result.
Hopefully your little human will appreciate a new friend also.

Letting cats out means you have to accept they encounter risks outside home. I'd just be worried you're going to be too anxious still, if you get a cat this soon. That would mean not enjoying new kitty as much as you could if you let time heal a bit more.

When our beautiful little 12 year old cat died in June a couple of year ago, four months later we fell in love with and gave a home to another lovely tabby girl who as it turned out was born the day our little cat crossed the rainbow bridge

she is very like her in lots of ways and the fact the was born on the same day makes us think it was meant to be.

i’d get another cat possibly a a bonded pair. There are so many that need homes and love

sorry for your loss though 💐

So sorry for your loss. I've always had cats and we lost several over the years when I was growing up, always hurt so much.

Have two boys now and I live in fear of something happening to one of them.

That said, I would always get another. It's not about replacing the cat you lost - but giving a loving home to another dear soul. You'll love your new cat but that doesn't take anything away from missing and grieving your last one.

Yes, I think she will. She's 16 so is old enough to understand that we're helping another cat.

We're think of not letting our next cat out at night, if possible, but locking the cat flap. Not sure how that will work though, and feel we'd need to have a permanent litter tray.

Thank you. Yes, there are so many cats out there that need a home. I can't think about the worry of losing another one, but focus on the positives of giving love to one.

My beloved rescue cat died in horrible circumstances a year ago. I was devastated and cried for weeks. A few months later I spotted a 6 year old rescue cat and decided to go for it. It helped me massively although I often still feel sad about my other cat. I would always get a rescue, both mine have been so affectionate, sweet but independent. I've also always had outdoor cats and despite it always being a risk, they've both absolutely loved the outdoors and so far had no issues from being outside. I would say it would most likely help you all. Sorry for your loss 💐

We didn't get another cat but someone near us moved and left the cat behind! I couldn't leave her to fend for herself so now she's ours. Get another cat Op, you're sad now but another cat will help

Could you cat proof your garden so that the next cat won’t end up with the same fate .

Do you miss the cat you lost or miss having a cat?

Loss is hard, I still miss my Rosiecat who passed 4 years ago now.
I still want her back so badly it hurts but I don't want another cat, just her.

If its having a cat you miss then go for it, an older rescue is a good idea, alot of rescues are filling up in my area as people can't afford to feed their pets.
An older cat may have better road sence but accidents do still happen if you let cats out

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I think the fact you are even asking suggests you are ready for another cat or it would not have crossed your mind. There are so many waiting for homes and you will be able to give them a lovely life for however long it is. I think it can really help with getting over this sort of loss even though you would never be replacing or forgetting.

That's a good point, mine was called Rosie as well! I am definitely missing her but feel another cat may help with the hole that has been left in our hearts and our home. But we definitely couldn't have another black and white one, as that would just be too painful.

We kept ours in overnight and they quickly got into a routine and just had a really really big sleep.

Tragically a dog killed one of our cats a few years ago and now our new cats are indoor only I just can't go through the heartbreak of losing a 12 year old family member like that ever again.

I'm in a quandary about this. I lost my beautiful guy 3 weeks ago today. His sister (same litter) is depressed and I don't know what to do 😭

They do say getting another cat helps the cat at home, but I'm not an expert so I'm not sure! I suppose it's company for them, they're probably grieving as much as you are.

Our dcat was grief stricken.. A dkitten saved him.