My beautiful cat got hit by a car today

[Rainyrunway]

He didn't make it. We"re beyond devastated. The house feels so empty.
I really want to get another cat (eventually) but now I'm worried the same thing could happen again. We live on a quiet unmade road, sort of like a farm track so thought he'd be safe but he used to wander quite a way. Far enough that we bought him a gps tracker for his collar. He went onto a busier road, and got hit. The bloody driver didn't even stop. Luckily a neighbour happened to be nearby, saw what happened, recognised him (partly because of his tracker) and called me so at least I know. I have another cat who goes out too so now I'm worried about her as well. WWYD? On the one hand I feel awful that we let them out and this happened. He was a baby, only 1 and a half. Its my fault. If we kept him in he'd still be here. But then I feel like keeping cats indoors is cruel, he was happy with his freedom and I can't suddenly stop my other cat going out.
Would it be wrong to eventually get another cat knowing what happened to him? My female cat is pretty standoffish (but we love her of course) and can't really be bothered with the kids and we just miss his super friendly, cheeky little self.

I’m so sorry! This has happened to us twice. It’s so awful. Please know that it wasn’t your fault, your cat was probably having the best time out there. Far kinder to let them do that than to keep them indoors. Big hugs x

I feel your pain... Mine was laid in the road..it's busy..it broke my heart...I can only send you a hug. I refused to replace her. I didn't want to feel like that again. Until one was dumped and I took him in....then again hit by car. He made it home but was so injured I had to have him put to sleep. I love cats but no more..my heart can't take it.

Oh heck. Huge hugs to you, it's just awful isn't it

I honestly can't believe it. He was here just a few hours ago, having a cuddle on the bed. Now he's gone. Forever. I just can't take it in.

So sorry to hear this. It's one of my biggest fears. We live in a village but the speed people come through here at is unbelievable.

We settled on an catio as the cats weren't happy when I tried to keep them in but I couldn't lose one of them on the road. So far we've had it 3 months and it seems to be a happy compromise for us all.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Before we met my husband lost a few cats on the roads (over a 20+ yr period) and swore he'd never have another. We have 6 cats now and they're all house only cats. He wouldn't have them otherwise. It's so hard.
I hope you're family are ok x

I’m really sorry for your loss, there is no pain like losing a beloved family pet. I don’t know what to say, it’s a hard decision to make. I have an indoor only cat and he doesn’t know what he’s missing, but I feel awful that he never gets to explore or chase insects in the grass. That’s said, there are so many busy roads where I live and, unfortunately people are sometimes cruel to cats. I make a lot of effort to enrich his indoor environment, but I know it’s not as good as being outside. That said, I know I’d worry myself sick if he was roaming.

You could try to keep your other cat indoors for a few days and see how it goes. Sending hugs.

I'm so sorry 😞 OP 💐
Sending hugs

I’m really sorry Op. Sending you love and hugs. Losing a pet is just awful, even worse when it is so sudden. X

I am so so very sorry for your loss x.

it wasn’t your fault. It as awful as it is, one of those things you just couldn’t control.

xxx

I am so sorry, it's heart breaking when you lose your pet. I have four cats and they all go out, l think it's harder to keep them in once they've gotten used to going out. If l do have to keep one in after a spay etc they go ballistic.
I do think most cats would rather hunt in the wild than eat in captivity.