How long did you wait? *Update*

Snuggles

As some of you will know from my other post, our beloved cat died last week. My initial emotional reaction was to think that it would be a long, long time before I could even contemplate getting another cat.

But the house feels so empty, and yesterday a cheeky little cat came and stood up on its hind legs looking at us through the patio doors, meowing and rubbing its face against the glass. Somehow this made me realise that there will be another cat out there for us who we can give a loving home.

Part of me thinks it's far too soon to be thinking of it, and another part of me wants to rush out to the local rescues to find another cat. I know we have to at least wait long enough that we won't feel disappointed when a new cat doesn't behave the same way as Maisie, and we won't feel guilty about "replacing" her.

I realise it's a very personal decision, but I was wondering how long those of you who have lost pets waited before you felt ready to get another? I am so devastated at losing Maisie that I'm not sure if these thoughts are just part of the grieving process or if I really might be ready to have another cat sooner rather than later.

Scrapaholic

Hello, Snuggles . When I suggested last week you might find another cat I didn't mean to be insensitive to your feelings . In the past years we've had 2 cats run over on the road , horrible . Within a few days we'd got another cat . Each have their own personality of course and you won't find one the same as your Maisie . The new cat brought us comfort as we got to know it and find out about it and just gave us something to focus on . We didn't feel guilty as we gave a nice home to cats who needed it . If you do go to a cat rescue place , ask them about the personality of the cats you look at and they should be able to tell you which one's lively , shy, friendly etc . It's up to you when you feel ready but I hope you won't feel guilty. There's sure to be a lovely cat waiting for you to love . Never been down to just one cat it'd be just too quiet , clean and fur free without at least two ! Let us know how you get on .

Snuggles

Scrapaholic wrote: »

Hello, Snuggles . When I suggested last week you might find another cat I didn't mean to be insensitive to your feelings . In the past years we've had 2 cats run over on the road , horrible . Within a few days we'd got another cat . Each have their own personality of course and you won't find one the same as your Maisie . The new cat brought us comfort as we got to know it and find out about it and just gave us something to focus on . We didn't feel guilty as we gave a nice home to cats who needed it . If you do go to a cat rescue place , ask them about the personality of the cats you look at and they should be able to tell you which one's lively , shy, friendly etc . It's up to you when you feel ready but I hope you won't feel guilty. There's sure to be a lovely cat waiting for you to love . Never been down to just one cat it'd be just too quiet , clean and fur free without at least two ! Let us know how you get on .

Thank you and don't worry - I didn't find it insensitive at all. I think OH and I both knew that we would inevitably get another cat at some point as we love them, it has just taken me by surprise that I've started seriously thinking about it already. I can well imagine that having a new cat gave you comfort after losing your two in such awful circumstances. I must admit that I went outside last night and briefly petted the cat which was looking in, and even that made me feel a little better.

Maisie was a rescue cat and we would definitely get a rescue cat again, or perhaps a pair who need rehoming together. I had bagged up all of Maisie's food with the intention of donating it, but might just hold on to it for now, just in case...

Froglet

Before humans die, they write their last Will & Testament, and give their home & all they have to those they leave behind. If, with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I'd ask...

To a poor lonely stray I'd give:

• My happy home.
• My bowl & cozy bed, soft pillows and all my toys.
• The lap, which I loved so much.
• The hand that stroked my fur & the sweet voice which spoke my name.

I'd Will to the sad, scared shelter cat, the place I had in my
human's loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say, "I will never have a
pet again, for the loss and pain is more then I can stand."

Instead, go find an unloved cat, one whose life has
held no joy or hope and give MY place to HIM.

This is the only thing I can give..
The love I left behind

Scrapaholic

Yes, Snuggles , just hang on to that food ...

Scrapaholic

Froglet , that's lovely , made me cry . Seems just right tho' doesn't it . One time we went to a recue home to pick a cat, it was a house with lots of cats all around but none took our fancy . We were shown to a room with kittens and one cat about 3 years old . He had sparse fur as he had a kind of eczema and looked a bit tatty . We brought him home , his fur improved . Max was a big gentle cat who had a lovely long life with us .

Snuggles

Oh Froglet, that is so lovely, thank you x

Snuggles

It made me cry too, but in a good way x

harrys_nan

That made me cry as well!:)
I think in a way, its a compliment to the pet we lose, that we can give our love to another one.

scaredy_cat

i actually got my Giz a few moths before my old girl had to be pts. But i had been thinking about getting another cat for ages, as i knew i'd be a wreck when she would finally leave me (i had her since she was a ickle kitten, over 22 yrs).

another cat isn't a replacement, but another chance, as Froglet so beautifully put, to share the love we have inside for furries.

suki1001

When my friends dog died, I was surprised they got one so soon after, especially as they said they weren't going to have another dog, but they really missed having a dog around and it seemed to really help. they even gave him the same name.