Is it too soon?

Question

I recently lost my beautiful cat, Mufasa and I miss her alot but my house seems so empty without a cat.

Cats are my favorite pet to have because they are so lovable. Tuesday will be a week since she died and my mom is already considering getting a kitten. I'll admit that I do want another kitten but when I think or say that, I feel so guilty.

Do you think it's too soon after losing a cat we've had for 8 years? We wouldnt be replacing her because no one will ever be like her but do you think it would be dishonoring her memory?

I would really like anyone's opinion on this unless they are going to be rude or insulting or plain and simple mean.

Answer 1

Not at all! Adopting a cat from a shelter will save a life and give you a new companion. Maybe you should consider adopting an adult cat, adult cats have a tougher time finding homes just because they are adults. Ive adopted many adults from shelters and never had a problem with any of them adjusting.

Your other cat will be happy to see you save a life and get a new companion. And someday, you may see out of the corner of your eye, a cat go across the room that isn't your present cat, a cat who looks like your old cat! I've seen the ghosts of cats I've had in the past go running across the room that way, and I knew it was the ones who had passed and not present cats because I had no cats of the same colors or markings at the times I've seen the ghost cats.

All cats have different personalities, no two are ever alike. A part of you will always miss the one who passed, but the new companion will be an individual in his or her own right, with his or her own special personality. Even cats miss one who has passed, even though they have other cat companions.

Answer 2

There is no right answer to this question. Clearly you loved your cat and I am sure the new cat will get a fine home. If you and your mother feel you are ready then by all means go adopt! Like you said, the new cat is not a replacement. Just a new addition where there is now some room.

Also, consider adopting an older cat. Yeah, kittens are cute but the older ones also have a lot of love to give and they have a harder time finding homes. Talk to someone at your local shelter. Tell them what you are looking for in a cat. Odds are they will have someone you will love! Good luck, and I am sorry for your loss. But like you said, she will always be with you.

PS
If you have never read it, look up "The Rainbow Bridge" It has given a lot of people comfort at times like these.

Answer 3

The new cat wold not be a replacement, call it a reinforcement.
When some one says it is time to get a cat, it IS time.

You will not be dishomouring her memory, just the opposite. She was a good cat and you and your Mom know that the house and the two of you need a cat.

Go to the pound and look at kittens. Your reaction will tell you if it is the time to bring a new kitten home. Do a lot of looking and givve a kitten a good home. If you feel it soon, get a kitten that looks very different from Mufasa to show yourself you're not replacing her.

Answer 4

I am so sorry for you loss. I have Gone through thos a few times and I have gone both routes. I have waited 3 years after my dog that I had since I was 16 passed away and it was very lonely but I was only 16 at the time my it was more of parents idea to wait. Then just 2 years ago I had a puppy that I rescued that had died from an ilness that wasn't treatable that he had before I got him. 2 weeks later my fiance brought me home another puppy. Time has no baring on how long it takes for you get over a loss it hurts just the same no matter how long you have them. I like the fact that my fiance brought me home a puppy and I don't think that it dishonored buster to bring home another puppy I think that he would have been happy that I did that because as much as I miss him it helps you to heal. What ever you choose will be the right choice but when you choose do go to the pound because there are alot of loving cats and dogs that need a home that other wise wouldn't get the chance. I am so sorry for you loss and only time will heal the pain but loving someone else helps to dim it.

Answer 5

I think it's a wonderful idea. I had my Smokey for 19 years when I had to have her put down and 2 days later I got another one. It was the best thing I could have done. But here's an idea: instead of getting a kitten, why don't you go to your local shelter and adopt an older cat or one that's been there for a long time? Everybody wants kittens and overlooks all the others, not even giving them a chance? They need a home and loving too. I bet your Mufasa would look down and smile!!! God Bless.

Answer 6

Depends upon the person. If you're comfortable with getting a new kitty then by all means please do get one. You wouldn't be dishonoring Mufasa. You will always love Mufasa and treasure the time that the two of you spent together. And I'm sure Mufasa knew how much you love her and would want her companion to always be happy.

If you're not comfortable with getting a new kitty, don't get one. Don't assume that the new kitty will somehow "fix" your broken heart. It wouldn't be fair to the new kitty if you were unable to give him/her the love that he/she deserves. But, if you know that it will help you, that you will be completely comfortable with having a new kitty, and that you will give the kitty all the love and attention he/she deserves, go ahead and get a new kitty.

If you do decide to get a new kitty, might I suggest adopting a kitty from a rescue or shelter? There are even breed-specific rescues (if you are looking for a certain breed). If you know that having a new kitty will help, it would be great for you to return the favor by helping a kitty in need... Then two of you will be helping each other.

Answer 7

Poor Mufasa! And poor you!

its not really the same but a few years ago we had a ferrit he acted like a cat, dog and slinky combined and the whole family grew to love him. when he was just over 9mnths old he got a serious liver infection and died. the whole family, and a lot of the village were devastated. just over a year later we got two kittens. i wanted girls so that our ferrits ... err... manhood and memory was not questioned but we ended up with 2 boys! i still think about Welly - ferrit - but now I've got my other boys to keep me company.

So if your ready i would consider a new cat/kitten but i wouldn't get the same breed or use the same toys/bed as this might make you feel as you are replacing your poor cat. You can never replace a thing you love but you can help the pain.

Good luck

Answer 8

I do not think it's too soon to take in another little one, if you wish to. In fact, a friend of mine recently lost a beloved pet- and about a week later her husband brought home a very small puppy who had been abandoned. She swears that the spirit of the first pet led her husband to the pup.

Of course, you'll always miss Mufasa: She had a unique personality, a unique way of expressing herself. A way that can never be quite replicated, though some may imitate it. But I do not think Mufasa would wish you to deny a little one a home because of her.

Good luck, and feel better.

Answer 9

the biggest thing for me when i lose a pet is thinking what if my new pet dies too? but i dont feel like im replacing them.. if a cat is a big part of your daily life then you need to get something to fill the space up.. a kitten is a good way but you can also take on a hobby or something until you feel you are ready for another cat. just dont sit around greiving all day

Answer 10

Suzie, it's a very individual thing. I have always felt that you honor your former cat by giving another such a loving home. The "angel" kitty would totally agree with your sheltering another cat who needs you.

Please look at a cat one or two years old. They lose their lives in many shelters because people pass them up for kittens.

I have been looking for three years since I lost my darling Spookie to cancer (I have five other cats). I finally found my Zandy who was abandoned by his owner at a local boarding facility. He had been there six months. He is 14 and 1/2 and as all my cats are "seniors" he is a perfect match for us. And such a darling boy. I feel so lucky to have him and give him a good home for the rest of his life.