If something happened to your cat, do yo get another pet?

@Reyachan (589)
Romania
February 18, 2012 3:44am CST
This question lingers in my mind for a while now and I don't know what would be best. As I said in another discussion, because of some bad luck and bad vets, my cat died a few days ago from diabetes.If she had died of old age,i would've been more at peace with the loss. But she was 7 and a half years old, so pretty young in kitty years and the most adorable,smart and special cat (of course I say that since I love her so much :) ) Now i find myself having this huge void that i don't know how to fill. First option that came to mind was get another pet to care for. On the other hand, I feel that right now, because the memories are so fresh, I'd keep comparing them, my old cat and the new pet. And i'm afraid I'd be disapointed, because I'd be searching for my old cat's personality and behavior and I wouldn't pay enough attention to the new ones. As you all know, cats have very different personalities and, if you spend a lot of time to them , these features become so obvious and particular just like a human's! How do you myloters deal with such a loss? Do you get a new pet? Do you take a break for a while to..."mourne" in a way? What worked for you in the past?
3 people like this
3 responses
@whatrow (792)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I don't think you are ready yet. Give it at least 3 months. You have to go beyond the grieving process so you can love your new little friend for what he is.
1 person likes this
@Reyachan (589)
• Romania
19 Feb 12
Thank you for your participation, whatrow! I think you;re right about the grieving period. I don't know if it will be 2-3 or 6 months, that only time will tell , but i think I should wait a little anyway to be sure of what i want to do next, unless another kitty lands on my doorstep :). Then it'll be obvious for me :). Happy posting!
1 person likes this
• United States
18 Feb 12
I'd still get another pet. I just know that I have to understand that I will probably outlive the pet. So, as sad as it is, I have to remember that before I get another pet because I don't want to be torn up at the loss. I feel like we as humans generally set ourselves up for disappointment and failure because once our pets die, we get really sad, and then get another pet, and the cycle repeats itself. I'd still get another pet just because I love animals. It's better for me to take care of them than for them to stay at the ASPCA.
1 person likes this
@Reyachan (589)
• Romania
19 Feb 12
Hello, MRconrad01! You are right, people must be aware that they'll outlive their pets anyway, just like kids should outlive their parents. Bu when the loss is unexpected and abrupt and it happens not due to the natural course of things but an unexpected event, you just can't be prepared. I was prepared to loose my cat of old age, but not because of disease and especially not of a curable one! If she had been treated properly by the vet, on time, she'd still be here now. That's my only regret. That i didn't ask for a second opinion. But things can't be undone, so I'm left with a lot of wonderful memories that I'll always cherish. And yes, you're right, it's better to take care of her that let them live in the streets or, like in your country, in shelters. Happy myloting!
2 people like this
@maezee (41997)
• United States
18 Feb 12
I wouldn't jump into getting another cat. I have 2 cats right now and I know if anything happened to them, it would definitely break my heart - but I don't think I could get another, just because... They are a lot of work. And it's sad when they have to leave you like that. I don't think I could handle it, especially not right away... But I guess different people feel differently about this.
1 person likes this