I feel guilty?

Question

We had to put my cat to sleep on wednesday, and I am still really upset about it, but I keep thinking of getting a new cat, and what type, and how I would like to get one soon, but I feel so guilty because its like im replacing my Nala. I also feel mad, because she didn't really like me, or to be in my lap, or anything like that. I feel kinda mad at her that she had to die before we could really bond (even tho she was 11 yeard old.)

I realize that this may seem like a dumb question to ask, but I feel really bad that I keep thinking this about my cat

Is this ok to feel like this?




*im not a little kid by the way, im 16

I guess i just don't know how to react...ive never had to deal with a pet loss, and all my pets are around 10 years old, i just don't remember life before having these dogs and cat.....

Answer 1

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown
My prayers are with you. You could give a wonderful life to needy kitty so when you're ready please do.

Answer 2

You have no need to feel guilty as you did not make you cat ill! Getting a new cat will not be abour replacing Nala. You can get another cat without it being a replacement. Who knows if Nala had not died you might have got another cat anyway and they might have been friends.

It is a shame that she was not a cuddly affectionate cat. Perhaps this should be your first criteria in looking for a new cat. Pedigree cats are selectively bred to be affectionate to humans and studies have shown that they are more affectionate than non-pedigrees. But there are also rescue cats that are affectionate if they have come from homes before and were not ferals.

It is always a painful process, but you did the right thing by Nala and getting another kitten or cat will enable you to keep on giving the love you have to offer.

Good luck.

Answer 3

First off dont feel bad everyone has to go through it sometime in their life.

Second if you want a cat that you can "bond with" try going to a few animal shelter near you. You can adopt a cat or a kitten. You will be able to play with it a little so that you can see what type of tempermant the animal has. You can also see how the cat reacts around other animals.

I wanted a sweet lovey sit in your lap cat, and this is what I did. I ended up with a kitten that was about 5 months old, I knew that it was gonna be a sweet cat because I had time to play with it, it was spayed, and it had a microchip in case it got lost ....

I would suggest trying a few shelters, that would probably work well for you.

Answer 4

it's perfectly normal to feel the way you do!

i'm the type of person who normally wants to replace an animal very quickly...it's only natural to want to fill that void.

Some cats aren't lap cats...i wish mine were but they're odd....the one will only hop up if there's a pillow there (thinks he's a prince) and the other will only hop up at the ends of the couch & runs if you try to put her on your lap...so dont feel bad

last year i took back in a cat that i had given away years ago because he was having health issues & the guy i gave him to didnt have the funds for the vet. he was with us again for a couple months and then had to be put down. i loved that cat. he quickly became my daughter's favorite. that was the 1st time i didnt want to replace an animal right away.

since then i've been trying to convince my hubby to get a dog for the family (we still have 2 cats). he isn't keen on the idea.

dont feel bad. if you want a new kitty, get one! but get one from a shelter to save a life!

Answer 5

It's natural to miss a pet that you care about. I'm sorry for your loss. I wouldn't feel guilty for getting a new cat. The new cat will be different from your original cat, and in that way the new cat won't be a replacement. I'm sure you won't stop caring for your old cat when you get a new one.

Answer 6

I unfortunately had to put alot of my cats to sleep-the hardest thing to do as a pet owner.I agree with the others adopt a shelter cat and save a life! I was lucky all my cats were lap cats and very loving.BTW-you are a kid-16 is not that old :-)

Answer 7

All animals are just like people! Even pigs. LOL
We had a little pig that my Momma raised on a bottle. It was a runt and would come upstairs and "knock" on the door every three hours for its BOTTLE!!!! after it was old enough to know...hahaha!
You see, every animal knows what it wants, your cat just wasnt a cuddlecat! You cant make a person into what they arent! Same with pets.
i tried to make my first two babies suck binkies. They WOULDNT! My 2nd two wouldnt STOP til they were 5!! lmao!!!
So there you have it. no need for a guilt trip
When you are ready for a new animal, all the advice above is great!! :)

Answer 8

I think it is normal to feel guilty...... I think it is also a good idea to buy a cat the same as the one you lost so you don't have to think about it as much as you are now.....

Answer 9

Talk to your parents about fostering some kittens for a rescue that will get their own homes. You will be doing something beneficial for her kind in her memory

Answer 10

Dnt feel guilty!! Its jus called moving on :)