How long should I have to wait until I have a new cat or kitten?

Question

Last week my 12 year old cat was unwell and was taken to the vets. Was told she had liver failure and any chance of her surviving would mean her having an operation which would be very expensive and even then she wouldn't be guaranteed to survive, therefore the only other choice was to have her put to sleep which was what was decided in the best interest and I now miss her very much and would like another cat or kitten. I realize it's to soon to just go out and buy a new cat or kitten right now as I'm still getting over the loss of my other cat and don't want to rush into anything that I might later regret.
How long should I leave it until I start thinking about buying a new cat or kitten?

Answer 1

Its really a personal issue. But you are wise to wait until you are done grieving for your loss. It is not fair to the animal to be a replacement for one who is lost, because it can never be. You should wait until you are done with the grief so that the new kitten is its own animal and you can get attached to it, and not what was.



A week is to soon, take some time and revisit this question in a couple of months time. When you stop missing your other cat, then it is probably safe to get a new one.



12 years is a long time to have an animal. It should take you a couple of months at least to get over it. My condolences for your loss, but the pain is good because it means the cat was loved.

Answer 2

Sorry for your loss. Well I would not get you a cat. I don't want to be mean but if you would have done the surgery that cat had a good chance of living after the surgery. And if the surgery the cat died at least you tried to save the cat. I know this because my cat which is 13 years old had the same thing and we paid for the surgery and she is still live and we lived by pay check to pay check. Wait until you have enough money to take care of your pet if anything goes wrong with it. Sorry if I sound rude, I just get mad if someone puts an animal to sleep insted of tring to save it .

Answer 3

in the last year we have lost 2 cats. they both were hit by cars. so i know how you feel. we have 3 more cats right now that help out a lot, and also we have 4 kittens that need homes. having or getting a new cat can be hard sometimes, but also it could be a good thing to get one right away, but only you know what is best. but if you want one and live in the Missoula area, msg me at [e-mail] . they are free to good homes and from the sound of it, you would have a good home to give

Answer 4

As soon as you feel the need. A new cat or kitten will help you with the grieving process of your old cat. Getting a new cat or kitten does not mean you have to forget about your old cat and it does not mean you are betraying your old cat. Be happy knowing you will be giving another cat a home.

Answer 5

I'm very sorry. You'll know when its okay to get a new cat/kitten. Its always sad when a pet dies but it'll be okay. Whenever you feel like getting a new cat or kitten is the right time.

Answer 6

our hearts can hold love for a lot of things, there is no set period of mourning. there is an old saying "the only thing that cures a broken heart when you lose an old dog, is puppy breath"



if a new cat or kitten gives you comfort you in turn can give the cat

a home...you help each other.



try not to buy it, go to a no kill shelter and save one of them. and then

make sure you get proper care for it at your vet.



i am sorry for your loss, i know how much it hurts.

Answer 7

First I want to say I am so sorry for your loss. It's no different than loosing a human family member in my eyes. So, I know how much you're hurting. I had to put one down the night before Thanksgiving in 96. I was so bereft with grief, I was glad it was the holiday, because I would have never been able to go to work. Well, even when it was time to go, I really was a mess, still. A guy told me there was a sign, "Free kittens" on his way to work. He told me to go get one. I got angry, saying I could NEVER replace my D.J. so soon. To make a long story short, I HAD to go get one of those free kittens. And, so help me, it was the best thing I could have done. Though I still cried and mourned for D.J., Omri really helped me begin to heal quickly. Sweetie, in May this year, I had to put my beloved Omri down because of cancer! Words can't express how it tore my heart out to have to do it, but, like yours, he was suffering and there was nothing more to be done for him. Relieving their suffering is a final act of love you can do for them. And, once again, my daughter told me of a friend whose cat just had kittens. And, yes, it's now "Marty's" job to take over for Omri in helping me heal. You ask how long to wait? Go get one asap. You have a" love gap" to fill and there's a cat or kitten out there waiting to fill it. Since you're even considering it means it is time. Go, you have the love in your heart to give. I think it's meant to be. Yes, it's 2 months since Omri's gone and I DO STILL cry for him. But, the second Marty nuzzles my cheek and neck, you can't help but smile again. I only waited 10 days between D.J. and Omri and a week between Omri and Marty. We needed each other. Go get your buddy! And I will pray that God speeds healing to your broken heart. Good luck Sweetie.........do it now!

Answer 8

youll know, but it would be best to not get one right away because you might find yourself even more depressed if your knew cat reminds you of your old one... (its a cat, its going to remind you of your cat!) just dont, like a few others have said, youll know.

Answer 9

Get one when you can devote a lot of time to it. Maybe that is after school is out or when you have vacation time.

Answer 10

cat's sadly come and go very quickly sometimes. I would say 3 months.

Answer 11

You'll know when it's ok. Nobody here can give you a solid answer. This is something personal and only you can decide it.

Answer 12

dunno but i luv cats