My poor kitty's passed away

[Primamadonna]

My 8yr old cat passed on Saturday and I'm very upset - which is only to be expected. He had a tummy issue that I'd been to the vets with twice recently but unfortunately it wasn't spotted. On Friday night he seemed out of sorts and acting strange but you know how brave cats can be. I spent the night looking after him and making him comfy. First thing Saturday morning I brought him to vets and he died in the waiting room. The vets were brilliant and the wee thing's body will be taken tommorow and I'll get a casket for the ashes next week for DD.
But I'm heartbroken, still in shock as I was alone when all this happened DD and OH were away. Im walking around trying not to cry, clearing up his bed, toys etc and I never realised I spent so much time talking and being with him (mad cat lady personified). He was such a part of my life. I would dearly love another cat but I know I should wait.
I was wondering if anyone has any experience of this and any words of encouragement ? I've never had a pet for so long pass away and by God it hurts

It’s such a shock when they go suddenly like that.

I lost my beloved cat two weeks ago and picked up a kitten from CPL on Saturday. (I would have liked an older cat but they were not so keen given my home set up).

There’s no right or wrong with grief and you need to do what works for you.
My newbie could never replace my gorgeous girl but the distraction eases the pain considerably.

Bless you. Unless you've loved a pet you just don't understand how they get under your skin. We had our first puss for nearly 20 years. It's tough indeed when they go, however old or young.

So sorry to hear this. It is terrible when they go, especially when it's sudden. We lost our last cat when he was quite old and I swore no more ... Three weeks later I was on our local cat rescue website and we got three young brothers. They don't replace the old one, they make their own new place in your heart and home. Best wishes.

Very sorry OP. But at least she died knowing you were just next to her and had a night with you all to herself.

I'm so sorry for your loss OP - so sad. Thinking of you

RIP dear puss. So sorry for your loss, what a horrible shock.

Oh that's awful. Bad enough to lose an old pet when you know it's coming. Must've been such a shock.
When we lost our old girl I was bereft without a cat. We had a holiday booked or else I would've gone straight out and got 2! I'm not saying that's right for you. There's no right way to grieve.
Run free over the rainbow bridge puss.

@therewere5 and thank you all so much for your replies, I feel comforted already. Its nice just being able to talk about it with fellow kitty lovers. I'd love a cat tommorow but must give it a week or two.

Sorry to hear. Sadly my cat (age 10) is dying of cancer it's horrible & distressing.
So I totally understand where u are coming from.

OP you do whatever is right for you. I do hope you didn't take my post as telling you to go and get another cat. I wouldn't. I just felt empty without a cat in the house. It's horrid.

Oh no @Wolfiefan ! I have always had cats so I know what I'm getting into. I also know I'm grieving and to give it a while. Nothing will replace him, this would be a new cat and I need to have my head in the right place first - only fair to the new kitty.
@tehmina - so sorry for your sadness

So sorry to hear this :( they're part of the family and it's always a shock no matter how old they are.

So sorry for your loss. It's a very sad time for you. We all know there's room for another little puss in our lives and that they don't take the place of the ones we've loved and lost. We just can't do without them. Take your time to decide what you want to do

It's hard to be without one but you're right. You need to mourn your loss. Glad you understood what I meant. You will know when is right to welcome a new kitty overlord.
We lost a cat very suddenly one new year. Millennium actually. It was completely unexpected and a traumatic shock. Still miss that cat and it feels extra unfair when they're taken too soon.

How sad for you.

Hope you have some nice memories.

I have some lovely memories, thanks for reminding me, sometimes when you're sad you forget these important things.
A very memorable fella and a true character, a wee ball of ragged fluff who thought he was the bee's knees and world leader/overlord for 8 years

He was of course the bee's knees and the rightful overlord. You won't forget the important things. You really won't.