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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

New kitten - too soon?

54 replies

purdypuma · 18/12/2019 11:04

Hi,

This is my first post on here but I'm just wanting to gather thoughts.

I had to have my 17 year old cat Bella pts last fri due to a very sudden possible stroke /neurological issue. She was the last of my 3 cats & had been an only cat for her final 2 years which she loved. She came to me at 4.5 mths, rehomed through a local charity who rehome feral kittens.

Up until yesterday I was adamant that I would not consider a pair of kittens until after Christmas & then approach the charity I adopted her from to pursue adoption.

However, yesterday I have been asked if I would like to rehome an 11 wk old kitten. A friends daughter has moved back home & is not taking care of her kitten (brought with her when she moved back home)leaving the care to her mum. Mum already has several cats & 2 dogs & has asked if I would like to have the kitten.

The kitten is the same colour as Bella & has flea & worm treatments already. I will be at home until the new year as I lost my job late November. I hope to be back in work January. The plan I now have is to adopt a kitten companion from the rescue organisation.

Am I completely barmy? Logic tells me to wait but in reality I live by myself & miss having the company & something to look after. I would only need to buy kitten food.

Any constructive feedback would be appreciated.Smile

OP posts:
BlastEndedSkrewt · 18/12/2019 11:10

it would be too soon for me & I 100% couldn't have a kitten in the same colour as my lost cat (lost mine in January) but that's just me

mollypopsal · 18/12/2019 11:16

Sorry for the loss of your beautiful Bella. I think that it is perfect timing for the new kitten. You will be at home for a while and I think you want the company.

Original poster
purdypuma · 18/12/2019 11:19

Blastendedskrewt ...I know! I feel guilty contemplating it but also excited at the prospect of a kitten if that makes sense? I have always known I'd have another (or 2!) The kitten is the same colour but with different markings completely & I don't think the kitten would ever replace Bella, just a different cat. All my friends who have cats, of whom there are quite a few, are saying to go for it but the idea had upset my mother considerably as Bella was her personal favourite.

OP posts:
Ninkanink · 18/12/2019 11:19

I think the universe has found you a little kitten who needs a loving home, and a way for you to pour out the love you feel for Bella through caring for another little cat. It seems like perfect timing to me! Flowers

Winterdaysarehere · 18/12/2019 11:21

But you haven't actively looked have you? One has more or less landed at your Xmas door....
We have the same breed of ddog as I had as a dc - with the same name.. Mark of respect ime!
Congratulations on your new bundle.
Maybe a festive name?

Sd183 · 18/12/2019 11:23

I think you should do it. When we lost our girl to old age it took my partner a very long time to even consider another cat, but when it did they honestly bought so much light and happiness back to the home. One of the two kittens we rescued is the same colour as our lost girl, but it is actually oddly comforting. I have often found myself calling her the same pet name, and often speak to her about how she is just like her big sister (I'm not crazy I promise Blush, I just talk to them a lot!). Don't hesitate. You are not "forgetting" or replacing Bella, so try not to have any guilt. We have a little memorial candle which we light for our lost girl so we know we aren't forgetting her. Enjoy a lovely Christmas with your new bundle of fluff :-)

Original poster
purdypuma · 18/12/2019 11:25

First photo - proposed new kitten housemate, Second photo - Bella

OP posts:
Winterdaysarehere · 18/12/2019 11:36

Seems a done deal to me...
Both beautiful...

Original poster
purdypuma · 18/12/2019 11:36

Winterdaysarehere ...the kittens already called Tilly but I think i would change it to Milly & kitten companion, when found!, would be called Molly as the ideal scenario would be 2 girls. I have boys before, very affectionate but nightmares for spraying even post removal of 2 veg!Grin

OP posts:
Sleepycat91 · 18/12/2019 11:37

All people grieve differently, some people want to fill that void sooner than others. You know your not replacing her and i would probably do the same x

Ninkanink · 18/12/2019 11:45

Awwwww so cute.

What about Tilly and Milly? Is that too confusing for cats if their names sound too similar?

In any case, I think you already know in your heart that this kitten is meant to be with you, and you’re not replacing Bella at all, just opening up your heart to another cat who needs your love and care!

Original poster
purdypuma · 18/12/2019 11:51

My friend who lives on my street already has a "Tilly" so that could get a bit confusing. I'm just thinking that "Milly" is a subtle change that the kitten could get used to easily & to have a sister cat called "Molly" would be very cute, cometh the time Xmas Smile

OP posts:
Carpathian2 · 18/12/2019 11:56

I wish more cat owners were as considerate and committed as you, too many don't think it through and fall for the cuteness of kittens.

I hope you both have a long and happy life together Thanks

Tish008 · 18/12/2019 11:56

I think adopting her now would be wonderful for the kitten.

You are home to get her settled and have more time to devote to her.

She will never replace Bella, can your heart make space for Milly too?

buzzwizz619 · 18/12/2019 11:57

If YOU feel ready then do it, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. My thought has always been why sit here feeling sorry for myself when I can do some good and offer another animal who needs it a home.

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 18/12/2019 11:57

Very sorry about your old girl.

I don't believe cat people should ever be without cats so since this kitten seems to have your name on it - I'd definitely give the kitten a home.

Chemenger · 18/12/2019 11:58

It's fate, do it.

Toddlerteaplease · 18/12/2019 11:59

I adopted cheddar 10 days after Maia was PTS. I was going to wait, but my remaining cat wasn't happy on her own, and I went to visit her and knew she'd be ideal. Turned out that I was right. Other cat much happier and She really helped fill the enormous hole that Maia left.

Winterdaysarehere · 18/12/2019 12:03

Holly??

Ninkanink · 18/12/2019 12:09

I think Milly and Molly are perfect names for two little partners in crime! Smile

YetAnotherSpartacus · 18/12/2019 12:14

Do it!

Bella looked like she was a Queen who ruled her roost.

Tilly/Milly looks adorable too.

Original poster
purdypuma · 18/12/2019 12:22

Thank you for all your kindness so far! I have arranged to view the kitten tomorrow evening (cat carrier in car boot just in case!), my mother will come round to the idea although her sobbing on the phone this morning didn't help matters. She claims not to like cats! Hmm

OP posts:
fishonabicycle · 18/12/2019 12:25

There's a kitten needs a home and there's you with a cat shaped hole needs filling. Do it 😻

Original poster
purdypuma · 18/12/2019 12:25

Yes, Bella definitely ruled her roost to the extent that she had claimed the spare room as her own & theres still a "Bella's Bedroom" sign on the door! Very territorial even at 17 & managed to scare all neighbour cats out of the garden with little effort Wink

OP posts:
YetAnotherSpartacus · 18/12/2019 12:55

She claims not to like cats!

Mine really, really didn't. She called them all 'it' and claimed they made her sneeze. When I was a wee'un I held the neighbour's meezer up to her and she said 'get it away from me - it will make me sneeze' and right on cue said meezer managed the biggest, wettest sneeze ever - all over her.

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