new cat after death of elderly cat?

[ihearttc]

We had to have our very elderly cat (he was 19) PTS on Wednesday. He had been going blind for some time but still lived a happy and fulfilled life...eat, slept, cuddled on our laps and spent time jumping in the bath and catching drips (his favourite past time!). I came home from work Wednesday and he had been sick and been to the toilet in the lounge which he has never done. When I looked at him his entire right eye had blown (probably not the right word but can't think how else to explain it)...it was like his entire eye was filled with black. Took him to the vet who said that it was most likely a brain tumour and he would be in considerable pain and that PTS would be the kindest thing to do. Im absolutely devastated. I had him every since he was a teeny tiny little grey bundle of fluff and he'd been by my side my entire adult life. Both my boys (one is 14 and one is 8) have grown up with him and he slept every night on their beds (he would literally alternate each night!).

Boys have said that in time they would like another cat. I know cat rescues are full of rescue cats and I know in my heart of hearts that would be the right thing to do but I really want to get a kitten...not because of the cute fluffy aspect but more that I want them to feel the bond I did with my cat from when he was so small. Does that sound crazy?

And if I did get a kitten how would I go about it? Reluctant to get one from a random Ad somewhere...my cat was the kitten of my best friends cat so I knew completely where he had come from.

So sorry for your loss.

Adopt a pair of rescue kittens if you want kittens? There are plenty available and even kittens are often overlooked, especially if they are black and a bit shy...

In regards to the bond though, I adopted my first cat when she was 5 and we formed an amazing bond. A lot of my friends also have adopted adult rescue cats and bonded amazingly. I have had my current cats from when they were little as I fostered them for a cat rescue first before adopting them, so I understand both sides of the coin.

I’ve had as close a bond with cats I’ve had from adults as from kittens. But I’m sure plenty of rescue places have kittens too.

It doesn't sound crazy at all. I have always had rescue cats, but this time I wanted a kitten who I could train myself from an early age rather than one that had potentially numerous homes & behavioural issues, like our previous cat (who was a bit of an arsehole tbh until she mellowed with old age). We got our new kitten about 3 or 4 months after our cat died. Best thing we ever did. You have to do what is best for you & your family. Sorry for your loss btw.

My gorgeous grey girl died 3 years ago aged 21. I was devastated having had her from 9 weeks old.
5 weeks ago a gorgeous abandoned cat gave birth behind my shed to 5 kittens. Sadly 4 have now died. I just kind of feel it is meant to be so we are having mum and surviving kitten. Mum is a tortie and kitten is ginger. We get them in three weeks.
The cat fosterer also has six bundles of grey fluff from a mum who was left in a box outside a vets.
Find local resuce places and see if you can register your interest for a kitten or two!!!