I was just curious to hear stories from everyone out there. How long did it take you to decide you were ready for a new pet after losing your baby? I have only ever had one...my little princess. She passed a few weeks ago and I have been missing her company something terrible but every time I look at a new cat I feel as though I am betraying her in some way. I actually started crying at one shelter...havent gone back there since! Has anyone ever had these issues. I am worried I will not love a new pet the same way that I loved her. Any personal stories would be great to hear. This board has been amazing in helping me deal with her loss.

Dear Kitkatjp...First of all I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure it would be hard to decide when to get another pet, unless you really fall in love with a certain one......My story is this: We had a Basset years ago and when she passed, we hadn't been looking for another dog, but a neighbor offered us theirs because they didn't want her anymore. That was 5 months later and of course we took her, a cute little white Maltipoo. We had her for 9 years when she passed. Again, 5 months later, after she passed, a worker at the vet's office offered us little Mickey (Maltese/Pekingese), white, 5 yrs. old. So we went to the couple's house and got him. They could no longer care for him. He was the sweetest little dog. It has been 10 months since he passed and we are content to just live with his precious memories right now. I still get tears when I think of him or look at his pictures. It does get better as you start to think of the good times you had with your pet......As time goes by, maybe it won't feel like betrayal if you find a pet you really like. I also think it's normal to compare a new pet to the one you just lost, but we all have to remember all pets are different.....Take care..

LoveMyMickey

Thank you so much for your kind words. Sounds like you have had great luck in having new friends find you! I have actually just signed up to become a foster. I have seen a couple of cats at the shelters that I have been looking that needed some help, whether it was gaining weight, or getting over a surgery. I think this will help me a great deal. Helping a little friend that I know is sick and can get better, and I can help them get better would make me feel great. I am sorry for the loss of your last little one. Thanks you for sharing your story!

Kitkatjp, I am sorry for the loss of your little princess. I too had one cat back in 1998, and when I lost her I thought I was going insane with the pain. Coming back home to the empty apartment was the worst feeling. I missed my furry little friend so much and could not stand being alone and wanted comfort so much. I went to a pet store only because it was the easiest thing to do. There, in a cage on the floor, the little Calico kitten looked up at me and all I could say was 'Aw'. When I held her she started purring, and that was such a great comfort and blessing. I took her home, and in time she became my new best friend. Kitkatjp, it is perfectly natural that you will not love a new pet in the same way that you loved your little princess. Every pet is unique, and so is every bond with form with another one. The bond that you formed with your princess will always remain. But there is so much room in our hearts to form new bonds. The little Calico kitten I picked up at the pet store really rescued me. She slept with me in the bed at night as my previous cat did, and she enjoyed sitting on my lap. She followed me everywhere, and I loved watching her grow up and bonding with her. I don't think you would be betraying your little princess by getting another cat. I am sure she would be smiling at you for rescuing one of her brothers or sisters. Every person is different, and I can only tell you how I felt and what helped me. My little Calico kitten helped balance out the load of grief that I was carrying. There are so many cats out there that need rescuing, and I am sure somewhere out there is the perfect one for you. Peace and blessing to you today!

This is the little Calico kitten from my story, of course now all grown up and actually a senior pet.
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