Put our family pet down today???

Question

We put our kitty down today after having him a little over a decade - he lived with me after i moved on my own and i'm very sad and wondering if maybe a new kitty will make me feel better and maybe take my mind off of everything that happened today - or maybe its too soon?? I don't know I looked at the local shelters and found a few cats that could really use a good home just not sure if i should bring one home or not?

I did want to ad, that he was very old, his legs were failing, and even though he ate like a horse he was just loosing weight. I knew it wouldn't have been long. I just rather put him down than have him suffer.- And thank you all :)

Answer 1

I lost my cat of 19 years (92 human years) back in November (cat food recall, remember). I'm still sad everyday I don't hear him running around playing with his toys (he used to go mental over these spongy balls). For me, nothing could ever replace him and I don't want to feel like I'm trying to with a new pet. It's entirely up to you, when you feel you are ready. When they've become part of your life and family, it's just as hard to let go as it is with a mother or a friend, etc. Sorry about your loss. They're very special.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry sweetie, I know exactly how you feel. I've lost three beloved cats to old age health related issues this past year. I absolutely think you should adopt a shelter cat. Even though you may not feel like it right now, I guarantee you'll soon warm up to the little soul that so desperately needs a good home and love. Best wishes


Brigid

Answer 3

Think of all the good times you had with your kitty, and think of all the good times he had with you. Then, think of all the cats that are in those shelters that may never get to experience those things.

If you're out looking, it's not too soon. It can never be too soon.

And while you're there, consider getting two cats. Two cats can play together and show love to each other in a way that only cats can, and if you get them both at the same time, you won't have to worry about turf wars.

The only thing you can do for animals that's better than giving a loving home to one cat is giving a loving home to two cats.

Answer 4

Aww, I am so sorry. I know how sad this time must be for you. When my dog ran away I was so devastate. We were very close. I had another dog, but I could not stop crying or being sad. My Mom said no more dogs, but my Step dad who had a big heart got me a new puppy in need of a home. She was a blessing. I never stopped missing my other dog nor have I forgotten her and this is 14 years later. What I am trying to say is getting a new pet is a great idea. As soon as you get your new pet take it to the vet immediately to have it checked to make sure that it is healthy and to get him or her their shots. Good luck and again I am so sorry for your loss.

Answer 5

Wow that is a tough one... your best bet is to sit your 4 yr old down and explain to him why you had to have the dog put to sleep. Was he very sick? Injured? Explain to him that the dog was suffering being alive, that he was hurting very badly, and that is the humane thing to do when animals are in that much pain. Your husband...just be there for him. Let him talk about the memories of your best four legged friend(your son too, this might help him also). The worst thing you could do right now is try to "replace" the dog. That is just going to cause more pain for your family. Wait until they are calmed down from the other dog having to be put down before you introduce a new family member.

Answer 6

Well you sound as though you are an educated vet. So good of you to make that presumption about his health! sheesh

If you don't know your own mind, why are you asking strangers? No, do not go out and get another cat unless you are prepared to properly care for it and know your own mind! Why do you want to rush through the grieving process? Just so you can 'feel better?' Yes, how inconvenient it must be for you to have feelings for your cat that just died!

No, someone as wishy-washy about it as you, that has to ask other people you don't even know!, shouldn't get a cat right now.

Answer 7

We had a dog named Fizzle. We had to put him to sleep after only 2 years because of an autoimmune disorder. The vet's advice -- you can get another dog but you will never get another Fizzle. My recommendation is to let some time pass, about 6 months, before getting a new pet. That way your new pet won't have to compete with the personality or memory of your previous kitty.

Answer 8

You could adopt the new kitty in honor and rememberance of your kitty that is gone. It took me almost three years to find that special dog after losing my first 'hearing' dog. Where did I find her? Humane Society four years ago. What a blessed thing to give a homeless animal a forever home. I volunteer at a humane society socializing the dogs to make adoption much nicer for the adoptee. I play with the homeless kitties.....

You do what you are ready to do when you are ready to do it. So sorry to hear of your loss.........

Answer 9

I'm so sorry. Yes, I think a new kitty will help you out, and by adopting from a animal shelter, you'll be doing the kitty a favor as well. Good luck and take care =).

Q.L.

Answer 10

just give yourself like a month of space. i have had a cat taken away from me too, i let my self get over it slowly, then i decided that i could open my self up again and i got 2 new kitties that really needed a home, so i hope this really helps and i am really sorry for your loss.


in memory of your cat

p.s- i'm a cat lover, can you tell?!