Question:
Should I love my new kitten (getting her in 1-2 weeks) as much as my old pet who died?
A.P.
2006-08-21 18:51:00 UTC
My old cat, Tiffany, died roughly 4 months ago. She was a cat from the shelter. I made a bond with her that I will never love another cat as much as I loved her. I'm getting a Himilayan (long haired cat, similar to a Persian) kitten in 1-2 weeks. My new kitten will have so many good things about it-things that shelter cats don't. The kitten will sit on me, and may be more affectionate, but I feel guilty already thinking of how I'll love another cat. I know that the new kitten is not replacing my old cat, but I still feel bad for my old cat. What if I love my new kitten more than my cat? Does anyone have advice? Please help me-I'm so lost on how I should treat my future kitten and if I will actually love her more than my old cat... and I told my cat I would never love another cat as much as I loved her...
Sixteen answers:
babydoll
2006-08-21 19:28:51 UTC
I couldn't beleive it when I read your question. I am having exactly the same experience that you are. My 20 yr old kitty died 3 months ago and he was the love of my life. We had a very special bond, as you did with your kitty who passed away. I actually got a new kitten fairly soon after my boy passed away(about 2 weeks after) because I live alone & the house felt too lonely without a kitty in it. In the begining, I felt badly because I didn't like my new kitten ANYWHERE near as much as I loved my old kitty. But, I've had her 3 months now & I really am starting to love her, but in a totally different way, She is crazy & very entertaining, while he was a real loverboy lap cat. Sometimes if I feel love for the new kitty I actually feel guilty. I know that sounds crazy, but I feel like I'm betraying my old cat. But, recently I have come to terms with it & know that he would want me to be happy & probably he'd be happy that new kitty has someone to love her. I beleive that our pets DO go to heaven & are still with us spiritually,so I feel he knows what's going on here on Earth. It's a tough thing to go through,but if you are a real cat lover you could probably never not have a cat in your life. They can never replace our special pets who have passed on but we can develop a new bond with them over the years. Some people think that's wacky, but that's my opinion. Hope it helps.
Darma
2006-08-22 02:32:03 UTC
I have had cats since I was a little girl and am now a grandmother. I have loved them all. I currently have three cats, each with a different personality. I couldn't tell you which one I love most, either of the current ones or all the past ones. Don't compare one to the other and don't feel guilt about the new one. Of course you will miss Tiffany and you will always love her, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the new cat too. The relationship will evolve naturally. Good luck.
rawr.
2006-08-22 03:29:17 UTC
You should definately love the new kitten just as much.. even though you told the other cat you wouldn't love any cat as much.. you should share the same affection towards the kitten!.. your old cat will be very happy that you are getting a new cat to take care of.
AbsintheLover
2006-08-22 02:38:43 UTC
I know for a fact thatits hard to lose any pet. And I will gaurantee that the reason you and Tiffany had such a strong bond is because you loved her so much. I would hop that you will love your new kitten just as much. Not only because you will be its new caretaker but also because you need to form a bond with your new kitty just like you did with ol' Tiffany. PLus I know how hard it is for social animals like cats especially to live in shelters and you wouldnt want your new kitty going to one simply because you cant get over Tiffany. If you love it as much as you loved tiff not only will the kitty be your new best friend but tiffany will be looking down from kitty heaven loving both of you.
virginia s
2006-08-22 02:42:46 UTC
Think about the description of the word LOVE. Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

It is all right to grieve for your old cat, and you should give yourself the time to grieve, but try not to withhold any new feelings for the new cat. It is normal to love. Maybe you should think of the song that goes something like this " Love is wonderful the second time around!" Don't worry about what you told your other cat. Your love for her was unique, and the love for your new cat can be unique too, but unmeasurable and incomparable!
Leigh
2006-08-22 02:05:35 UTC
You should treat your new kitten just like you would of treated your old cat. Love it, give it attention. It's not betraying your old cat. Your love for your old cat will be different than the love you may develop for the kitten. It doesn't mean you love either one more, just differently.
Catty
2006-08-22 06:44:54 UTC
You will love the new kitten in a new and very different way - but don't hold back the love from it, it's not fair to either of you.



Tiffany will be there with you every day in spirit and will want you to love again.
bcringler
2006-08-22 01:57:10 UTC
You will love them in different ways and that is okay. Don't worry about it and enjoy the memories of Tiffany and love the new kitten as its own special self. Good luck.
Uchihaitachi345
2006-08-22 01:59:58 UTC
Yes it si okay to love your kitten as much as your other pet. But it is okay to miss your other pet as well. But try to move on. I know it is hard because I had a guinea pig after three of mine died. I had accidently killed him as well. But I had a dog but we had to give him away but I got another dog. It is okay to love your kitten as much as your old cat but it is like having two best friends
cin_ann_43
2006-08-22 01:59:32 UTC
I know how hard it is to lose a cat that we love ..And yes its normal to feel guilty that we should not love are new cat as much. Your cat that died will always be in your heart...And no the new one is not taking its place. Its ok to love this new cat..

I know you miss your cat very much.But please try and love and let your new kitty into your heart..
dawithr52
2006-08-22 02:05:38 UTC
Every cat has its own personality so your love for it will be accordingly. It is not weather you love it more it is your love of its individually. So love it don't compare it and you'll be fine.
2006-08-22 02:10:37 UTC
i think u need to get over it and take your new kitten in and love it the same way hey evrey one experinces a lost sometime.
2006-08-22 02:06:58 UTC
you need to think about how your old cat would want you to be happy! you can love your new pet like it was tiff alll over again!
Shira Ann
2006-08-22 02:36:00 UTC
you should love both of them and you will love them in different ways, so that is a good thing
urmytobe
2006-08-22 02:10:06 UTC
its OK...don't deny your new kitty love. you will find you have enough love in your heart for both kitties.
2006-08-22 03:14:38 UTC
http://lovethingy.com/


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