How soon is too soon?

Question

Our 14 year old cat was very sick and we had to make the very hard decision last night to end his suffering. How soon is too soon to get another cat?? He was an 'only child' as we do not have any human kids. The house just seems so empty now. :-(

Answer 1

I feel for your loss.... truly sorry... I wish our pets lived as long as we do...

If you feel like "the house is empty," then maybe you should get another kitty. Take your time searching for the perfect fit. In the meantime, collect photos of your darling cat who has gone on to kitty heaven and have some of your favorites mounted and framed. I know that kitty is in your heart now (so he lives forever, you see), but having photos of happy times with him helps keep him there and helps make you smile with memories of happy times. When you do bring home a new kitty, the framed photos will help you also in coping with those subtle guilt feelings that you are "replacing" your beloved cat. You are not. No pet can really be replaced. But like most cat and animal lovers, you have a lot of love in your heart that needs to be expressed.... why waste it? Keep the love flow going by pouring it on some poor kitty waiting for a forever home. Your old kitty in heaven will approve.

Answer 2

You don't have to wait, you could get one right now. It all depends if you're ready to get another cat. Sure it's not going to be a replacement but it's going to be a new addition, just like your 14 year old cat was when you first got him. I know the feeling of an empty house, my cat went missing for a long time and the house was soo empty. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

we had an apartment fire in 2000 and lost 3 cats to it. We were very sad and snippy with each other in the new place, until we realized it's because they were not there, so we went to the humane society and got 2 cats .. 1 year and 8 weeks. The 1 year died of kidney failure a couple months later (don't believe them when they say a vet has checked them) so down to 1 baby (Jasmine) we bought a house and took a neighbor's kitten (Fonzey) and last year we got a 3rd from a mall (Isabel looks like the 3 that died in the fire) so now back to 3! Don't wait, no reason to! You can love more than one animal!

Answer 4

First off, I'm sorry to hear about the death of your cat. At least the cat lived an old age. Second off, its up to you and your other half to decide when its time. Some people get a cat right after one has died, others, like me, take a while and let myself grieve and remember the cat. No cat will ever take the place of the first one, your heart grows and builds more room for the cats in your life. Maybe this time you could get two, cats usually do better when there's more than just them. Well there's my advice. Again I am sorry about the loss of your cat.

Answer 5

I am so sorry for your loss. I have loved and lost many pets over the years. I think getting a new kitty would honor the old kitty's memory. As soon as you feel like you want another cat, go get one, or two even. Cats are like potato chips, you can't have just one. Of course, the new kitty won't replace the old kitty; that wouldn't be fair to either of them. The new kitty will soon have it's own special place in your heart. When you get it buy a new litter box, some new kitty toys, and maybe even new food dishes.
Best of luck. :)

Answer 6

Whenever you feel comfortable is when you should get another. You will love your next cat differently than the one you loss since each has their own cute personalities. I cried for weeks when we put our cat down due to illness. That was about 8 years ago. I just adopted another cat this summer. My parents never wanted another animal in their house due to cat damage, so I had to wait until I had my own place. This new cat is 4 yrs old, got her from the SPCA. She is the complete opposite of my old cat. She is so cute. Part Siamese/Persian, long-haired. Adorable. I can't believe she ended up at the SPCA. Good luck.

Answer 7

There is not set time to wait until you get another animal, but you want to finish your morning for this animal before you begin loving another animal. I found that after my rabbit died I kept calling other rabbits it's name because I was still trying to get use to the fact that he had passed. So, I would say, if you two are both ready for another animal go ahead a get anther one, but since you were obviously so close to your cat, maybe consider getting a different animal. That way you can still continue your morning for your cat and not feel like you might be replacing him or anything. But, if you guys love cats and feel like you are ready for a cat, go for it. It is how you guys feel, and I know that sometimes after loosing an animal and getting another pet right away it is easier to give that animal a lot of love. You two should talk about it and see how you feel and if you are ready.

Answer 8

I think that u should get another cat as soon as u find one that needs a good home. i am sorry about your cat but if you can give another kitten a home you should. and make their life as long and wonderful as you did the your other cat.:) and a kitten will definitely make you house less empty

Answer 9

You don't have to wait if you want to get another cat. Think about it, would he want you to suffer? It will make you feel better and help you get over your cat. Just because you are getting a new one doesn't mean that you are replacing the old one.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
F

Answer 10

So sorry for your loss. We had a similar experience with our beloved 14 year old Wheaten terrier. The first thing I found helpful was to remember how much joy she brought to our lives. The second thing I found helpful was to realize that she had 14 years of knowing that she was loved and treasured each and every day, and thinking we should all wish for such a life. :-)

I'm one of those who think your heart will tell you when the time is right. There are certainly many wonderful candidates who will treasure your loving home.